The Military and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide

The Military and Teens covers the major issues young adults should consider before making a decision to join the armed forces. Although each branch of the military provides print and electronic materials on what it has to offer enlistees, very few YA books take a pro-and-con look at military service. Moreover, commercial military books mostly cover specific wars or give tips on surviving induction and training. From deciding to serve, to what it's like to face death, to being forced to kill, to discrimination in the military, and to life afterwards, this work presents the benefits and downsides of military service. Kathlyn Gay covers the many available choices of careers in the military and points out where to go for more information. Both primary and secondary sources have been used to provide information on young participants in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I & II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. In the final pages of the book, the comprehensive list of available sources of information includes books, magazine articles, and websites for further research. Enhanced by young people sharing their personal experiences as enlistees and as members of military families, The Military and Teens is a useful resource for both teens and those who work with teens to advise them on career choices.

The Military and Teens covers the major issues young adults should consider before making a decision to join the armed forces. Although each branch of the military provides print and electronic materials on what it has to offer enlistees, very few YA books take a pro-and-con look at military service. Moreover, commercial military books mostly cover specific wars or give tips on surviving induction and training.

VOYA

Using historical and contemporary examples, this book explores the relationship between the United States military and teens. The investigation begins with a brief overview of the U.S. military and its history. Individual chapters discuss various facets of military service, from basic training experiences to veteran concerns. More philosophical issues are covered as well, including discussions about the nature of patriotism and the affects of propaganda. Both liberal and conservative viewpoints are represented in most examples. Some of the information presented seems random and anecdotal, such as the bulleted list of ways teens show patriotism that includes "patriotic shoes" and "USA necklaces." The chapters covering the values and motivations that lead teens to choose or decline military service are more relevant. Recruitment, a hot button issue for many, is explored in depth, with sections covering No Child Left Behind, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the Solomon Amendment. Other chapters discuss military careers; racial, ethnic, and gender barriers; conscientious objectors; peace movements; and war zone experiences. Chapter endnotes list the sources cited in that chapter. Insets offer random facts about the military and sidebars offer quotes. With the pros and cons spelled out for each topic, teens will find this book useful for school assignments. The dry tone might make it less appealing for those seeking advice about military service. Overall the information is useful and timely. Reviewer: Brenna Shanks

Kathlyn Gay is the author of Volunteering: The Ultimate Teen Guide (Scarecrow, 2004) and Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide (Scarecrow, 2002).