Military Recruitment Posters Then And Now

By Maddy E

Old Recruitment Poster

US Marine Corp Recrutiment – WW2 1942 What is the subject of the representation?

The subject is part of the US Military recruitment poster. During the days of World War Two, young men were forced to go to war, to help expand their enthusiasm about going to a warzone, the US Marine Corp shows ‘the good side’, stating that men would find honour and would fight for their country if they signed up.

What is the intention of this representation?The intention of this representation was to make young men sign a contract to the USMC. However, during World War Two, many men were forced to fight against their will! In this case, the poster makes war seem more hospitable and less horrible.

Who is the target audience? How would they read this representation and why?The target audience is aimed at males only. Female roles were not created during this time. Men would look at this poster and would think that they would be able to serve and protect their country from the enemy. By asking ‘Want action?’ would make men want to fight.

Is it accurate/truthful? Is it a positive or negative representation?The representation does not show the reality of the war. These posters do not show crippled, dying men. Instead it has clear skies and a happy soldier. It is a positive representation because the men is happy.

Representation Questions

US Marine Corp Recrutiment – WW2 1942 What values underline this representation?

The recruitment poster is showing a happy soldier holding out his hand. Courage and bravery are too values that are being shown. Fighting for the country is another value that the Marine Corp holds.

What has been selected and omitted?This poster is very positive. The soldier is smiling and is reaching out his hand as if asking someone to join him. No blood, death or sadness is being selected in this poster. The more violent side of war is being omitted.

How has this representation been constructed using codes and conventions?This poster is not a photograph or part of a magazine, so it does not have camera lighting, etc. However the person who created the image, possibly by drawing or painting it at that time, wanted to give the viewer a happy, positive image of joining the military. It is symbolic.

Representation Questions

AnalysisOf Recruitment

Poster

‘Want’ is highlighted. Want Action? Gives the viewer a question. The word ‘Action’ might make men excited.

Smiling man, clearly happy to be a part of the Marine Corp. Assumes joining or being part of the military will make people happy.

Set on a beach. The Ocean gives people a calm feeling.

Letters boldly stated. ‘Join Us Marine Corps!”

Outstretched Hand. AskingYou to take hisHand. SymbolisesProtection andFriendship.

Clean Uniform.UniformSymbolisesThe Military.

PlanesOverhead?Might be part of theBeach feelingOr part of the militaryIntention.

GunSymbolises Military and protection.

New Recruitment Poster

US Marine Corp – Recent Poster 21st century.

What is the subject of the representation? This is a US Marine Corp poster that gives women the right to join and play a part in the military. This has changed a lot since WW2 because women now have equal rights as men in the military.

What is the intention of this representation? The poster is asking more young people to sign the recruitment form and play a part in training others, fighting enemies and defending the homeland. It is asking for leadership from young people, who can teach each other how to fight.

Who is the target audience? How would they read this representation and why? Surprisingly the target audience in this case might be young women. The poster does not segregate both genders, but moulds them together. A female trainer is teaching the recruits how to fight in this example. It is asking for young girls to step up and show the boys that they can take up the challenge.

Is it accurate/truthful? Is it a positive or negative representation? It can be positive because many young girls are now signing up and having the chance to play in more dangerous jobs. Women can now even join infantry. However, it does not state the effects the military will have on ladies. Such as depression, sexual assault, and sexist remarks.

Writing Says: There are no female marines. Only marines. True strength lies not In self but in unity. As a recruit, you’ll be pushed to your physical and mental limits. Only together, can you find what it takes to complete the journey and earn your place amongst an elite few.

Representation Questions

US Marine Corp – Recent Poster 21st century.

What values underline this representation? The values of the Marine Corp are clearly labelled here. Words such as leadership, true strength, and unity expresses what the military believes is important values that each soldier must have. Women rights are also a main value here, giving respect and dignity to these type of Marines. Being pushed to the limits is also a value of the Marine Corp.

What has been selected and omitted? The female trainer is the main character in this image. Young men are sitting down listening to their trainer with interest. This image again, is very positive. It is not showing anything that appears to be wrong. It is not showing the dangers of joining the military either.

How has this representation been constructed using codes and conventions? The picture is symbolising strength through numbers and gender equality. The lighting is focused on the lady who is standing and the young men. The background is blurred so we can focus on the main character who is instructing her peers.Writing Says: There are no female

marines. Only marines. True strength lies not In self but in unity. As a recruit, you’ll be pushed to your physical and mental limits. Only together, can you find what it takes to complete the journey and earn your place amongst an elite few.

Representation Questions

AnalysisOf Recruitment

Poster

A female instructor. SheSeems to be commandingHer troops. She is focusedAnd showing leadership.

Fist is clenched. A battle pose. This shows that she is ready to fight.

The words ‘WANTED’ are asking people to sign up.

Hand is Stretched, sheIs facing a Direction. LookingInto the distance.

Young marines are focused and are listening.

Text explains the values of recruitment and the Corp

THE END!