The United States Army, however, eventually introduces its recruits to a real battlefield, whereas the America's Army video game does not. Participants in the "SeeMePlayMe" multiplayer online tournament of America's Army do not use real machine guns when they shoot at enemy troops and do not lose any limbs when they are shot in turn. When people play America's Army, the shoot and kill enemy troops in a virtual world. They don't have to contend with any psychological trauma or long-term effects such as post-traumatic shock disorder, which army veterans often do experience. Finally, playing the America's Army video game does not expose players to any hazardous chemicals, whereas the Untied States Army does expose its troops to a number of toxic substances.

America's Army players can play when they want for however long, and don't have to follow anyone's orders except perhaps their parents'. In fact, one of the main differences between the real world of the United States Army and the virtual world of America's Army is that video game players can be any age; they can be in any physical condition; and they can play from anywhere on Earth as long as they have a computer. On the other hand, people wanting to join the United States Army have to be American citizens. They have to pass rigorous physical and mental exams and undergo exhausting basic training exercises. Anyone, regardless of physical or mental ability and regardless of the country of their origin or the language that they speak can play the America's...

Even in multiplayer mode, the America's Army video game does not teach people the value of cooperation or submitting to authority. When a recruit joins the United States Army, on the other hand, he or she learns how to obey orders and commands and how to live with others in close quarters. The United States Army squelches individuality in favor of the group. The America's Army video game glorifies individuality by allowing the player to play at his or her own pace. Furthermore, working a joystick is not physically exerting like army exercises are. In fact, players of America's Army risk getting fat and out of shape if they play the game for hours every day without getting any exercise.
America's Army, the official government-sponsored video game, is a simulation game designed to lure new recruits and sell them on the excitement of being an army officer. Similarly, the United States Army uses advertising targeted at young people to gain new recruits. Many United States Army exercises happen to be simulation games similar to America's Army. In spite of these similarities, America's Army remains only a video game; the United States Army is a reality and a way of life for many American citizens.

Works Cited

What is America's Army." Retrieved October 6, 2005 at http://www.thearmygame.com