ManuaTele - News & Views

ManuaTele - News & Views

this article discusses how the pacific has become a gold mine for army recruiters. here's a snippet:

"The Army has found fertile ground in the poverty pockets of the Pacific. The per capita income is $8,000 in American Samoa, $12,500 in the Northern Marianas and $21,000 in Guam, all United States territories. In the Marshalls and Micronesia, former trust territories, per capita incomes are about $2,000."

political issues aside, the army is tempting when you consider the potential per capita income for islanders. i think that recruiting prospects are typically greater in any area where low incomes/poverty is a real issue.

what also seems at least coincidental is how the gov't sometimes forgets about these low income/poverty stricken areas that contribute greatly to wartime efforts during times of peace. of course, this isn't always the case, but it does happen and i have relatives that can attest to this. i also have relatives that have done very well for themselves as a result of serving in the military.

in any case, recruiting in the pacific does raise some ethical issues, but on the other hand, it could also be viewed as a source of income, needed benefits and a general opportunity for those that are in need.