Before You Enlist!: The Real Deal on Joining the Military

Telequest, Inc. with support from American Friends Service Committee and Veterans for Peace (2006)
Reviewed by Anthony J. Nocella, II

Before You Enlist!: The Real Deal on Joining the Military, is an outstanding short documentary about the reality of enlisting in the U.S. military. The film starts with youth of color being interviewed in an urban setting, with hip hop music playing, and makes clear who the military is targeting to enlist. The U.S. military is not targeting the wealthy or those in college, but rather the poor urban community which is predominantly people of color. They are targeting those who cannot afford, or are not looking to go to college, or who are looking for an alternative out of gang violence. Instead of fighting gangs these youth are enlisted to fight wars. The documentary includes interesting interviews with youth, former military officers from different branches and ranks, community organizers, and public figures on their insights and what they have been told about the military.

Following in the tradition of the America Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the film is inviting in a safe and fair manner. I have shown this film to many different audiences, from criminology students to employees in the criminal justice system, and no one knew if the video was supportive or not of the military. It comes off as factual and truth seeking rather than pushing a particular agenda. The website www.beforeyouenlist.org states that “this video provides a rational voice to counter the seductive and often deceptive recruiting practices of the U.S. military.” Instead of saying rational I would say fair, which it truly is. This fifteen minute video is perfect for any class from middle school to college level. As the military affects us all this video could be adopted for any field of study from history to economics.

Before You Enlist!: The Real Deal on Joining the Military is available for only five dollars or you can also see the complete video at www.beforeyouenlist.org