Citizen Soldier and Three Doors Down

If you're going to the theater to see AVPR, I have a bit of advice. Don't take a pregnant woman. I don't want to give away the film, but seriously - don't take a pregnant woman.

But if you do go, or if you go see I Am Legend, you might see the National Guard film, Citizen Soldier, a solid music video from 3 Doors Down that does an excellent job of pitching service in the National Guard. Personally, I think it's the best recruiting pitch I've seen the armed forces ever do.

The video has a story, and that story is the theme of service. It's not snappy, like the Marine videos, and it's not all about confidence, like the Army recruiting. It starts by showing National Guard soldiers helping during disaster, and then goes on to show the history of the Guard and their participation in every major conflict.



The best part of the video is the way in which the Citizen Soldier is portrayed. The camera focuses on the eyes of soldiers, and what you see is a combination of fear and determination The point that is driven home is that soldiering is not cool, but necessary. The video doesn't glamorize war, but it does make the point that serving your country, your community, and your fellow soldiers is something worth doing.

That's a difficult theme to pitch in a video, but the song, from Three Doors Down, is very impressive. It might even bring a tear to your eye.