Changing the Negative Perception of the Army Service
The army is often appreciated for its service in the protection of civilians and defending states against internal and external threats, however, the general public is sometimes wary of the integration of the military soldiers into the community. Also, the army service people are often feared to have unstable mental health and emotional wellbeing, which affects them socially as they question how the community receives them. The efforts which can be cultivated to discard negative mentality towards military service members include government campaigns on veteran appreciation, involving military personnel in community and social events, and education of the American civilians about the army service.
First, the perception that the army service personnel are likely to be unemployed, destitute, and all suffer from traumatic stress, or depression is changing, following the government’s campaign, “Got Your 6.” These beliefs affect the way such people are received in society, especially after their service (LaCroix, 2018). Fortunately, Got Your 6 campaign was started by the former president, Barrack Obama, Unites Government Partners, the entertainment industry, and veteran-based organizations to create space and care for military people. Since its formation, the campaign has changed the thinking associated by the army servicemen that they are “broken heroes,” and now most citizens can accept them as normal community members. In particular, the entertainment industry was tasked with making films that normalized such army personnel’s activities to influence the public on the humane spirit that these servicemen also possess. Through such campaigns, the government still makes efforts to instill the general public with field information about the army service to show that these men are also human, and they have compassion. Such personnel can then reintegrate into the community, despite their challenges.
Additionally, community-based organizations can also integrate military personnel in their social activities. Such organizations deal with addressing school dropout cases, eliminating poverty, and reconstruction of places after natural disasters. Moreover, when army personnel is involved in such activities, the gap between the civilians and the military diminishes, as there is interaction with other community members (Tsai et al., 2017). For instance, AmeriCorps, which helps communities by expanding opportunities, should involve military members in such organizations to develop positive change in perception of the general public towards the army service. Also, army veterans are perceived as leaders due to their previous positions, thus helping them gain social sense in society, and social participation will enable many people to change the negative perception against them.
Furthermore, educating the general public continues to impart a positive influence on the army service. In this case, the more the public gets informed about the daily lives of this military personnel, the more compassionate they become, therefore, the step will improve the societal image about them (LaCroix, 2018). Additionally, societal trust in the army depends on the understanding of why they engage in wars, hence when the public is made aware of establishing stability and protecting the nation, their perception will change. Most military leaders state that public support was crucial when going into wars and returning home, and a negative attitude towards them makes things worse (LaCroix, 2018). Besides, the media has always conducted an active role in making the public aware of the lives of army servicemen and their progress, even after service, and if the public has the right insight of the personal and family lives of the soldiers, then they will change the negative attitude towards the army service.
In conclusion, civilians need to divert hate and neglect of the army servicemen, either in service or the veterans. Therefore, the community should embrace these military men as human beings who have feelings and experience emotional breakdown. Also, it is the role of the government and citizens to ensure that veterans from the service feel appreciated in society. Besides, the reintegration of army members should include campaigns for veterans, public education, and including veterans in the community and social activities.