By Kenny Martinez

 The government and the military find ways to make joining seem appealing. Military propaganda has been around for ages. The promises of no student loan debt, and a sense of being a true American make the idea of joining a great idea. What follows is what some teenagers have thought (including myself) about joining the military as a result of military propaganda.

 I will get a dog tag and wear it with pride! It is a sign of my acceptance into my new family and a sign of my extreme patriotism.

 It will be easy to get in. Everybody does!

 I will join the military and after I am done I will go back to my normal life.

 I’ll marry the woman of my dreams and although we will face obstacles we will make it!

 I will get great benefits. The military will pay for student loans, housing, food, and medical.

 I will make my country proud!

 What follows is what most people don’t know about the military since it makes joining the military less appealing.

 Identity theft is rampant in the military. Soldiers use their social security numbers to identify themselves and there is nothing you can do about it.

 According to the Kansas City Star, 4 out of 5 Americans get rejected from the military every year. The number one cause is obesity. About 27% of Americans are too overweight to join the military.

 More than 27% of soldiers suffer from depression compared to the 6.7 % of American civilians.

 Army wives have a 24% higher rate of depression than non army wives. Army wives are also less likely to get a job due to the fact that they would have to move at sudden notice due to their husbands being stationed elsewhere.

 17% of all homeless people in America are war veterans.

 Now, do you still want to join?