The Star of Black and Gold

It is a beacon, a guidepost, a symbol. All of these describe the star; the same star that is the symbol for the United States Army. For 234 years, the US Army has fought under the star spangled banner and been the defender of our great nation. That same star adorns our leaders and is the sign we recognize as the marker for those that are deployed. Two words now accompany the proud tradition of the star, Army Strong. These two words speak volumes about not only those in uniform, but about all those that are willing to accept the challenge that it implies. The Army Strong campaign speaks to all citizens of our country. Using Images of soldiers, issuing a challenge, and promising a better future the Army Strong campaign does an excellent job of connecting with potential soldiers and creating support for the US Army among all citizens.
Old glory adorns the sleeve of every soldier in the United States Army. The flags blue field always facing forward and leading the brave one percent that defends the other ninety nine. The Army Strong campaign has shown us the selfless risk that our soldiers make on a daily basis. Visions of our courageous few heading into a hostile building, maintaining security in a convoy in a land far from home, and giving aid to those that are less fortunate than themselves. The strength in numbers we see in images of our army standing in formation and the trust between two soldiers that fortifies their courage captured in a video are but two of the examples used in the Army Strong imagery. These excellent examples of the selfless service, camaraderie, and pride are extremely effective. They create compassion, an understanding of the team environment, and a stirring of patriotism. The combination of these emotions sparks the same feeling in our future soldiers and the supporters of our armed forces.
The uniform of our Army must be earned. It takes multiple types of strength to earn it. The physical strength to stand up to the trials your body will face, the emotional struggle you must conquer in leaving the familiar to defend what you believe is right, and the mental fortitude to drive on in the face of conflict. The Army Strong phrase is not just a statement but also a question. A challenge to look inside yourself and see if you have what it takes. It is a poignant dare to stare into your own eyes and ask your reflection if you can stand firm before your fears. Those same two words that ask the question of those that are willing to defend our country are also a statement to every civilian of our country. Army Strong tells every citizen to take heart and have faith. It tells us to believe in the capabilities and might of our soldiers. The duality of it’s introspective question and it’s ability to create pride in all Americans shows the effectiveness of the Army Strong campaign.
The Army Strong series has shown us the future of our citizen soldiers. Army Green berets that have become captains of industry. We see combat medics that have used their military training combined with education benefits to become doctors. Communication specialists in the Army now use their skills maintaining networks for fortune 500 companies. The statement that strength shown on the battlefield is now strength shown in the boardroom is clear and present in several of the Army Strong images. The ads show that Army Strong is a lifelong impact that carries into every aspect of your life. Through real world experience in situations that few ever know, travel to cultures that only the adaptable can handle, and state of the art training the Army Strong campaign promises a better future after your service. The platform the Army Strong campaign promises as a launching point for your life is an excellent way to attract new people to the armed forces.
For centuries travelers, explorers, and settlers used the stars for guidance. By using the same image so easily recognized as a waypoint and combining it with a simple yet effective phrase the Army Strong campaign has found a way to speak to a huge spectrum of people. From those that are seeking to serve a purpose larger than themselves, to the average citizen just willing to tie a yellow ribbon the Army Strong series has something to connect to every American. It is a tool to measure yourself by, a statement of who you are, and a source of pride for our country. Army Strong and it’s perfect star have become a symbol to which all can rally and feel familiar with. To speak to so many so effectively is the true indicator of an outstanding example of compelling and potent campaign.