Their entire DA relies on emotional manipulation of vulnerable communities

This “infiltration” of low-income communities succeeds by not only just appealing to the tactical decision making process of a young student (listing of benefits, etc.), but also trying to manipulate their emotional sense of belonging within their own community. Herbert explains how it comes down to an exact science that is plainly laid-out in an Army publication called “School Recruiting Program Handbook.” The process of “school ownership,” as detailed in the handbook, is primarily responsible for higher numbers of enlistment and happens when recruiters carry-out actions like “contact athletic coaches and volunteer to lead calisthenics, get involved with the homecoming committee and organize a presence in the parade, donate coffee and donuts to the faculty on a regular basis, eat in the cafeteria, [and] target ‘influential students’ who, while they may not enlist, can refer others who might”86 87. Recruiters seemingly take on a nurturing role in the community, giving students the illusion that the military can help solve problems that they may be facing and set them on a productive career path. Given their positionality as both minors and in the midst of a highly transformative period in their lives, high school students are especially vulnerable to undue influence and evidence immature judgement with regard to involvement in risky behavior88. This susceptibility amongst students mixed with the military’s proven disregard of ethical guidelines, even within WEAPONIZATION OF POVERTY 26 its own putative standards, make for an ideal environment for recruiters to coerce students into questionable behavior. One highly publicized case of such activity happened when a recruiter was caught on tape coaching a high school student about how to fake a mandatory drug test89. However, policies regarding the degree of access provided to military recruiters vary from school-to-school and remain heavily reliant on the relationship that a recruiter is able to form with the school’s administrative staff. For example, school guidance counselors, supportive of the military, can greatly facilitate students’ orientation towards joining the military90.