Most memorable recruiting "ads" and "military commercials"?

2013-11-16T19:16:15-05:00

Throughout the years there have been some absolutely awesome military advertisements (print, magazine/newspaper, billboard, theater, television, radio, online, etc.); so, what is that particular one that you remember most? Is/was there an ad that impacted your view of the military or desire to serve (or continue to serve)? In order to maintain a fun and interesting discussion thread, selections need not be necessarily modern or even officially service sponsored; although, it would be interesting to see how the official service-sponsored versions has influenced us all. Also, if there was a military program (drag race, NASCAR, Armed Forces sports, color guard/honor guard/ceremonial detail/drill team, community support, parade, military band, "wrapped" vehicle(s), Blue Angels, Tops in Blue, sponsored recruiting events, etc.) or military event that was highly visible to the public, what impact did this have on your image of the military? This should be an interesting and exciting discussion, so fasten your seatbelts and let's get the conversation rolling; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 7:24 PM

2013-11-16T19:24:25-05:00

This is the commercial that I remember most, and probably had the most impact on me personally; also, as far as the Marines are concerned, the history books serve as the their best recruiting "advertisement:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKPJL15QKvM&list=PL19B6E9790422B426&index=8

Marine Corps Commercial: "Sword"

A Marine Corps commercial from 1984, "Sword."

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 11:04 PM

2013-11-16T23:04:49-05:00

This is an awesome ad that helped to shape public opinion and certainly helped to focus the target recruiting audience's expectations; no promises, looking for the 'right' raw recruits... Absolutely brilliant how the message matches the organization's requirements, and how the advertising, recruiting, and training are related and maintain a thread of consistency in terms of message and desired end state.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sWW0nxi9bw

USMC "Rose Garden" Recruiting Commercial (PSA) BEST EVER! Lynn Anderson (1973)

Here is the epic "Rose Garden" Public Service Announcement for the Marine Corps Recruiting Service made famous by the hit song, "I Never Promised You a Rose ...

Response by PFC Eric Minchey made Nov 17 at 2013 2:07 PM

2013-11-17T14:07:47-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AGay3mZHeE

Budweiser Commercial Welcome Home Troops

This is a commercial about welcoming our troops back as they're walking through an airport terminal

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Nov 19 at 2013 3:39 PM

2013-11-19T15:39:31-05:00

The Marine Corp always has and more than likely will always have the MOST BADASS MILITARY COMMERCIALS OF ALL TIME. Yes, I am an army vet, yes I put that in caps, yes, this is my opinion.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 19 at 2013 3:41 PM

2013-11-19T15:41:54-05:00

I know this sounds cheesy but anything Army Strong. The song is easy to get stuck in your head, the PR campaign and message they're sending is a strong message (yeah, pun intended), and the visuals used in most of the commercials are pretty legitimately bad-ass.

However, I had a friend studying marketing say that Be All You Can Be is one of the most successful advertisement campaigns in our country's history so they definitely got it right on that one.

Epic fail of course, without a doubt goes to Army of One...

Response by PFC Eric Minchey made Nov 20 at 2013 6:27 PM

2013-11-20T18:27:36-05:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoABty_zE00

Food City- Salute

At Food City, we honor those people that serve and protect our country, and we know that without the men and women who watch out for us, we would not have an...

Response by PFC Eric Minchey made Nov 30 at 2013 8:49 PM

2013-11-30T20:49:12-05:00

Join the Military — Recruiting commercial for the military from the video Game: Grand Theft Auto San Andreas .

GTA SA - Commercial - Military

Join the Military — Recruiting commercial for the military with the usual GTA touch.

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Jan 28 at 2014 11:17 PM

2014-01-28T23:17:57-05:00

I've always loved this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmta7GwXCpo

Navy SEALS "Footprints" Commercial

By far one of the best commercials I've seen from any branch of the military.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 9:25 PM

2014-01-29T21:25:36-05:00

It is now the lady in the commercial who can't stop talking. Yeah she is adorable but the problem is, she never does stop talking. It's okay for awhile. LOL

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 29 at 2014 9:35 PM

2014-01-29T21:35:33-05:00

I've always liked this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3k1SOE760Y

Marine Toys for Tots - Are You Santa?

Help Toys for Tots deliver hope and happiness to children.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 29 at 2014 10:11 PM

2014-01-29T22:11:55-05:00

Quick overview of some of the Air Force hardware. These types of videos make me proud to be in the Air Force:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQyogsGi-VA

USAF Motivation Devour

A few clips of various AirForce hardware bringing the pain.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 10:41 PM

2014-01-29T22:41:23-05:00

They played this on a loop at airborne and my eyes cried red tears the entire time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ6QX-OsWUc

AIRBORNE

old school Airborne recruiting video.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 8:05 PM

2014-01-30T20:05:50-05:00

All the "Be All You Can Be" commercials, Sir! That motto was direct, and a challenge, and it just made sense!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 8:42 PM

2014-01-30T20:42:08-05:00

Any commercial capitalizing (because they do) on the images of deployed Soldiers coming home and hugging their young children in uniform always choke me up. Also, as cheesy as it is for me to say, the Army Strong Theme always gives me chills.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 30 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-01-30T21:05:54-05:00

As far as I am concerned. The Marine Corps has had the BEST commercials out there. They keep simple and to the point. I may be a traitor in that regard since I joined the AF, but that is my opinion. The other branches can not hold a candle to the Marines.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-01-31T21:13:13-05:00

If you enjoyed this topic, here are a few other interesting threads that you may find interesting... thanks for all that you do, best wishes for continued success!

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Feb 1 at 2014 12:01 AM

2014-02-01T00:01:29-05:00

Navy its not just a job it's an adventure this one was big in my time but I have to say I like the new one on patrol 100% of the time with the carrier steaming along at dusk.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 2:48 AM

2014-03-22T02:48:50-04:00

I love the AFN commercial with Benjamin Franklin about the igloo and the space heater. If you haven't seen it, two people left an igloo with the space heater on and came back their igloo melted. Great message, stupid-funny commercial.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 10:17 PM

2014-04-01T22:17:49-04:00

In 2007, I was forced to watch the Super Bowl through AFN since I was in Afghanistan. The best commercial was watching the 5th Corps CSM reading a teleprompter encouraging soldiers to re-enlist. It was terrible, even his wife didn't look like she wanted to be in the shot.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-04-27T13:01:20-04:00

Navy Times Article - "Film featuring SEALs began as recruiting ad" http://www.navytimes.com/article/20120216/OFFDUTY02/202160304/Spec-ops-screen-idols-Film-featuring-SEALs-began-recruiting-ad-became-passion-project

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 4:39 PM

2014-05-07T16:39:41-04:00

Here's a great military commercial you'll want to check out, provided courtesy of SSG Burns:
http://americanmilitarynews.com/2014/05/touching-troop-commercial-surprises-you-with-an-unexpected-twist/

Check-out the original thread here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/we-are-not-the-only-ones-to-have-fought-in-a-war-we-aren-t-the-only-heroes-what-do-you-think-of-this-commercial

Touching Troop Commercial Surprises You With An Unexpected Twist

This is one of the most heartwarming soldier commercials we've seen yet. Troops today are welcomed home like the heroes they are and have many resources at thei

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 9:30 PM

2014-05-07T21:30:39-04:00

It's not science fiction. It's what we do every day.
(parody)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m4mnIFWi9o

The Real Air Force

Old parody of an Air Force Commercial - poking fun at "additional duties."

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 7 at 2014 9:57 PM

2014-05-07T21:57:57-04:00

Without a doubt the slaying of the dragon is one I will never forget. At the same time I can think back to the time I was a kid and I can remember the old Marine recruiting commercials that ended with "We're looking for a few good men". Still not sure what led me to the Marine Corps but I am glad that I did.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made May 8 at 2014 10:06 AM

2014-05-08T10:06:10-04:00

Definitely not the guy running across the desert by himself, out of uniform, and with his ID tags flapping in the breeze! An Army of One? really? That goes against everything I have ever been taught in the Army. We do everything as a team, and I hope the guy who came up with that ad campaign was fired.

I am old enough to remember the 4-service commercial: "Pick a service, pick a challenge, set yourself apart! Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines! If you want a great place, it's a great place..... to start!" That was a great commercial and it was made even better when Jack (Bill Murray) sang it in the movie Stripes.

Response by PO1 Rudy Lopez made May 8 at 2014 11:31 AM

2014-05-08T11:31:28-04:00

Although a former Sailor I spent 14.5 of my 15 years with the Marine Corps. With that I lean to the side of the Corps when it comes to "Pride," but always sided with the Navy when it came to Grooming Standards; I couldn't stand the Marine Corps Hairstyle. Two great compliments I recieved from my Marine Corps leadership years ago: (1) from a platoon commander "Doc, you are definitely more Marine than your are a Sailor" and (2) My company commander saying to me while I was a Team Leader planning combat operations and giving the headquarters my scheme of maneuver for our night reconnaissance patrols in Iraq "Doc, the only difference between you and a Marine is your damn *!ing hair."

As far as commercials go... These two are the most memorable when I was growing up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLKQUoykE1g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKPJL15QKvM

Marine Corps Commercial: "Chess"

A Marine Corps commercial from 1990, "Chess."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 12:13 PM

2014-05-08T12:13:52-04:00

Even though it galls me to add to the Marine ego, jk. I love the living chess commercial they had a while back, and the Air Force had some about five years ago I really in enjoyed, the "We've been waiting for you" campaign. Although a creepy tagline, I really this particular commercial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAstD6VN_v8

United States Air Force "We've Been Waiting For You"

Loadmaster Recruiting Commercial For The United States Air Force. "Cross Into The Blue" "Do Something Amazing"

Response by Capt Andre Toman made May 8 at 2014 12:29 PM

2014-05-08T12:29:10-04:00

TOP GUN

Response by SPC David Hannaman made May 8 at 2014 12:48 PM

2014-05-08T12:48:57-04:00

I was looking for the 1980's Army commercial "We do more before 9am than most people do all day." but found this one... Reagan sure could deliver a great speech:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpH5L8zCtSk

U.S. Armed Forces - We Must Fight - President Reagan (HD) 2015

Video by Matthew Worth (Canadianmatt3) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadianmatt3 US Armed Forces "A Time For Choosing" Speech By 40th President o...

Response by Sgt Jon Johnson made May 8 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-05-08T14:34:02-04:00

Great old Marine Corp Poster!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 12:09 AM

2014-05-09T00:09:29-04:00

Here's an interesting look at military recruitment from the Russian perspective, article from the RallyPoint Facebook page: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/05/07/russian-military-recruitment-video-embraces-dark-side/

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Russian Military Recruitment Video Embraces Dark Side

A Russian military recruitment video has surfaced, and it's unsurprisingly dark and ominous. Did you expect a cheery and patriotic pitch to service from the former Soviet state? According to a translation, the video shares the new slogan the Russian military is using to attract...

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made May 9 at 2014 8:44 AM

2014-05-09T08:44:21-04:00

Warning: strong language but so worth it. Almost makes me want to become a Ranger. There are a few clips in this series for Ranger school and some other skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzbr6fPDmkE

Ranger School Promo

Prepare to be blown out of your mind by the awesomeness that is the ARMY RANGER!

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made May 9 at 2014 11:39 AM

2014-05-09T11:39:16-04:00

I think this Army ad backfired a bit...

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 10:12 PM

2014-05-09T22:12:56-04:00

Does anyone remember this one? Armed Forces recruiting TV Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRe2yR2E-IU

1980 Armed Forces Recruiting Commercial

1980 Armed Forces recruiting commercial. This is the song Bill Murray sings in "Stripes"

Response by MAJ Keith Davis made May 10 at 2014 10:35 AM

2014-05-10T10:35:48-04:00

The poster that seems to have some longevity (at least in my mind) is the Uncle Sam, "I want you" poster from the middle of the 20th century.

http://www.answers.com/topic/uncle-sam

Answers - The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made May 10 at 2014 12:58 PM

2014-05-10T12:58:44-04:00

"OPSEC: The Security of your Nation Lies in Your Hands". The poster was put just above one of the urinals at the SIGINT site I worked at in Berlin years ago. Thought it was a perfect placement for that poster.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 12:15 AM

2014-05-26T00:15:53-04:00

Here's an interesting video that shows how one of our international partners recruits cyber professionals:

http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2014-03-17/how-a-spy-agency-recruits-future-cyber-warriors

Video - Bloomberg Business

Watch digital videos covering business, finance, politics, the economy and more. Includes video explainers, online series and clips from Bloomberg TV.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 5:05 PM

2014-05-28T17:05:38-04:00

I always liked this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2BKyttIRlg
Interesting to see the Army recruiting straight to Special Forces, but I guess you know what they say about 18X contracts.

Army: Special Forces Commercial

The life of a sniper. Best ARMY commercial ever!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2014 10:49 AM

2014-05-29T10:49:26-04:00

I have yet to really see an Army one that I really like. I think the Navy has the best ones but they really emphasis the Seals. It's funny how the Seals are really a small small part of the Navy and you would think that the Navy's mission is to support the seals by their commercials.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:12 PM

2014-07-15T23:12:41-04:00

Things have really changed in the advertising department, this is too funny, and way too good not to share... enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnP-sTDtMi4&app=desktop

USMC Commercial 1970s.flv

1970s Recruiting Commercial Re-upload.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Aug 16 at 2014 10:57 PM

2014-08-16T22:57:37-04:00

As always, the Marines have the best recruiting commercials. They keep it simple and to the point. The ones from the 90's with the CG, whether its the King, knighting the knight or the chess pieces, To the gauntlet with the lava monster. The Marines have always talked about being above yourself and to strive for the goal. Even with the one with the Marines across America, it showcases the Marines as diverse bunch. They just keep it simple and do not con volute it.

The Army attempts to keep it simple, but with their slogan changin, it muddles the water. The Air Force, well, lets just say that they showcase things that are not the whole Air Force. It makes you want to believe that you will being doing that too. Of course its always showing the pilots and planes more than the personnel. The Navy like the Marines keep it simple, but they tend to showcase more of either the subs or the aircraft carriers. And not enough people.

That is my take.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 17 at 2014 12:38 AM

2014-08-17T00:38:27-04:00

I liked the "We do more before 9am than most people do all day" one.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 17 at 2014 12:47 AM

2014-08-17T00:47:00-04:00

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=In+living+color+funny+military+commercial&qpvt=In+living+color+funny+military+commercial&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=092499129BB325E9AFD [login to see] BB325E9AFD8

In living color funny military commercial - Bing Videos

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 17 at 2014 12:57 AM

2014-08-17T00:57:18-04:00

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Dreams+Van+Halen&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=D07E84B3FD5718E61209D07E84B3FD5718E61209

Dreams Van Halen - Bing Videos

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 1:16 AM

2014-08-17T01:16:08-04:00

http://youtu.be/eEEnSKxf2x8

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 9 at 2014 3:36 PM

2014-12-09T15:36:49-05:00

The unofficial recruiting video for the Navy by Van Hagar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsXCs41DkWs

Van Halen - Dreams (Blue Angels)

Dreams by Van Halen (Blue Angels Version) Van Halen is copyright Interscope Records, a record label owned by Universal Music Group. Original video footage is...

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 22 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-01-22T21:02:53-05:00

Col Private RallyPoint Member, how could this have been omitted? Without question, this is the most recognizable image of Uncle Sam and of the most popular recruiting posters in U.S. history. Here's the story.
"Originally published as the cover for the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie's Weekly with the title "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?" this portrait of "Uncle Sam" went on to become--according to its creator, James Montgomery Flagg--"the most famous poster in the world." Over four million copies were printed between 1917 and 1918, as the United States entered World War I and began sending troops and matériel into war zones.
Because of its overwhelming popularity, the image was later adapted for use in World War II. Upon presenting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt a copy of the poster, Flagg remarked that HE HAD BEEN HIS OWN MODEL FOR UNCLE SAM to save the modeling fee. Roosevelt was impressed and replied: "I congratulate you on your resourcefulness in saving model hire. Your method suggests Yankee forebears." - Library of Congress

As is turns out, MAJ Keith Davis beat me to the punch and did mention this poster!

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Jan 27 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-01-27T23:20:22-05:00

I used to show this to my recruits, just for laughs.

WKUK - Joining The Army

From Season 2 Episode 3 whitestkids.com

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-01-28T00:23:49-05:00

Sir, I remember this nearly two hour long navy commercial from 1986 starring Tom Cruise and friends. Almost made me enlist.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 30 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-01-30T16:41:09-05:00

Kevin Crawley, M1 Tanker....Be all that you can be, in the Army!
oohhrraahh!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-01-31T12:08:29-05:00

Anything is better than Army of One.... I can't understand that no one thought that we wouldn't of been made fun of by everyone else for that.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Feb 1 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-02-01T00:53:53-05:00

Top Gun was the best commercial the Navy ever had.

Response by SGM James Pepple made Feb 1 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-02-01T11:39:50-05:00

Fort Drum NY in the 80's a new Army Recruitment Commercial Soldiers were being selected to be filmed in "BE ALL YOU CAN BE" I tried to get some of the members in my Platoon to go to the photo shoot so they would possibly be selected. After several days went by our 1SG again requested additional Soldiers to be interviewed, photographed and if selected a part in the new Army Recruitment commercial "BE ALL YOU CAN BE" there were no volunteers even with my continued coaxing, so I raised my hand never expecting to be selected as I was older. 1SG instructed me where to report, upon arrival some Soldiers were asked to leave an I made it to the interview. At the interview I was asked many questions about my MOS 31B and position Team Leader, I was then asked is I was camera shy "no" so I was asked to read a line while turning in to face the camera. The turning in was no problem but I messed up what I was suppose to say, then I got to laughing and could not stop. I thought my movie career was over but much to my surprise I was asked to have my photo taken to see if I was photogenic. Them they said I was going to be in a specific part because of my grin and as an extra if others could not be there when they were suppose to be, so that was my movie career....

Response by MAJ Jon Edmonson made Feb 4 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-02-04T15:04:03-05:00

I always remember the commercial that showed an Airborne Unit after a jump in the early morning hours. A young soldiers says "Hello 1st SGT" The grizzled 1st SGT gives the troop a big smile. The tag line was "In the Army we do more before 0600 in the morning than most people do in an entire day"

I was an Executive Officer of a Recruiting Battalion when the "Army of One" recruiting slogan came out. When it was released my Battalion Commander and I looked at each other and basically said WTF.

Response by MAJ Jon Edmonson made Feb 4 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-02-04T17:40:24-05:00

Actually the tagline was "We do more before 0900 in the morning than most people do in a whole day"

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made Aug 21 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-08-21T13:53:15-04:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=07-RnI8W4xY
Got to love some Johnny Cash and vintage Army clips.

Johnny Cash - I Won't Back Down (US Army Tribute).