The True Cost of War

No doubt we've all seen movies that convey powerful stories of survival amidst a harsh war environment. Titles ranging from Saving Private Ryan to the popular HBO series Band of Brothers share a few common themes: the struggle against evil, winning against all odds, and brotherhood in the midst of complete chaos.

But these are just movies, right? Sadly, in real life people die. They lose their arms and legs. Innocent people die without any real purpose and no credits run at the end of their lives.

This is a tragic reality that few young people think about when approached at their school by a military recruiter. But it is a reality that is becoming more clear through the efforts of many former soldiers who have switched sides and, as it were, become war resisters.

One such person is Iraqi-vet Mike Hoffman who, after his honorable discharge in 2003, began the Iraq Veterans Against the War ( IVAW ). Along with other vets, Mike began to organize to help raise awareness about the false pretences and outright lies that are used in recruiting young boys and girls into the U.S. military. What Mike's organization points out is the fact that military recruiters target a select group of young boys and girls, specifically those from working-class families.

Military recruiters offer immediate cash payouts, called signing bonuses, if they can convince the young people to enlist. Accustomed to watching those movies and commercials that glorify warfare--think about the glory and honor of becoming a Marine or joining the Navy for excitement and becoming part of "An Army of One"--thousands of young people naively and innocently fall victim of such predatory practices.

But change is in the air as organizations like Iraq Veterans Against the War present the real costs of war and military recruiting to high school and community groups around the United States. If you are interested in becoming an agent for change, check out this website www.beforeyouenlist.org .

Catholic Connection:

Jesus taught that the core of our faith has everything to do with loving our neighbors and living in peace with one another. We must resist being swept away with false notions of patriotism and the nobility of killing people. It's like the bumper says, "When Jesus said love your enemies, I think he meant don't kill them." In short, we must rise above the status quo by placing the Reign of God above all other concerns. This means that we need to be ready to speak truth to those with power--like military recruiters--in ways that convey our deep concern for what their lies are doing to our world. We ought to invite such people into our way of life and help them find more life-giving occupations.

"The key to changing the world and pursuing justice and disarmament is to allow the God of peace to disarm our hearts, make us instruments of peace, and lead us together on the road to peace."
Father John Dear, S.J.

Reflection Questions

Have you or anyone you know been approached my a military recruiter? How did you respond?

Why do you think people are drawn to movies that glorify violence? As Christians, are there ways we can address this trend?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!