Good Jobs To Be Had

Trey Smith

The recruiting flier starts out by telling my son that “In today’s Navy what you get out of your job can set you up for a lifetime of success.”

Signed by “Thomas Gelker, Commander, US Navy,” the glossy letter goes on to say, “Don’t take my word for it. Take inventory of what you want out of a career. Then compare your job prospects in the real world to the outstanding opportunities available in the Navy.”

The following list he provides includes:

• Hundreds of high-tech positions in over 60 highly competitive career fields
• Paid training to learn high-tech skills and work with the latest technology
• Potentially, full tuition for college
• Competitive salary with opportunities for promotions, plus potential specialty pay and retention bonuses
• 30 days’ vacation with pay earned every year and free or low-cost travel opportunities
• Generous retirement income after 20 years plus a 401(k)-like savings plan
• Tax-free allowances for housing and meals plus tax-free shopping privileges at military stores
• Complimentary/discounted recreational privileges, including golf, swimming , fitness centers and more
  

(As an aside, I find it instructive that the very things that America’s business and political leaders are complaining are costly job perks demanded by unions that are allegedly making America “uncompetitive in the global marketplace” are being offered to our soldiers and sailors as job inducements.)
~ from Trolling for Kids: The Empire is Using Hard Times to Help it Recruit More Imperial Troops and Cannon Fodder by Dave Lindorff~

I think Dave's aside is THE key point in his column!!