As most of America has become aware, it was lies that got us into this war, and it is lies that are keeping us there. There were lies about Weapons of Mass Destruction and Al Qaeda's connections to Saddam, there were lies about Jessica Lynch, Pat Tillman and Mission Accomplished. And more recently there are lies about the so called "surge."

Since the start of this horrendous, illegal war, it has become increasingly difficult to recruit the youth of America. Recruiting numbers have repeatedly fallen short of targets set by the Department of Defense. The Army has resorted to portraying our experiences in Iraq as a video game called “America’s Army,” (see our response to America's Army in St. Louis) and recruiting ads are now targeting parents. But even with the Pentagon’s multi-billion dollar recruiting budget, new allowances are being made. The age and weight standards have been raised; there are a record number of “morality waivers” for convicted felons; it is now easy to get in without a high school diploma; even convicted rapists are allowed to enlist. With the standards lowered at the highest levels of decision-making, we can only imagine what recruiters are resorting to when they have trouble meeting their monthly quotas.

By some estimates, the Army and Marine Corps will not be able to maintain current troop levels in Iraq through next spring even if recruiting numbers stay level. Without the lies of recruiters, our corrupt government would no longer be able to use the military to occupy a country on the other side of the world. With “Truth in Recruiting” we can force a choice between no military, or one that truly represents the will of the people. “Truth in Recruiting” means ensuring that anyone considering joining the military can make their decision with all of the relevant facts. As Iraq vets, we can use our credibility to cut through the lies and spin of recruiters. You can help us.

We have distilled our message that we want potential recruits to hear into a one-page flier (PDF). We need all the help we can get to spread this message as far and wide as possible. If you know someone who is considering enlisting, use the flier to start a conversation. If you want to do more, please participate in National Truth in Recruiting Day on September 17th by printing out copies of the flier and distributing them at your local recruiters office. If you can do more, take a look at the Truth in Recruiting Activities to learn more about getting into high schools, minority outreach, and how to “befriend a recruiter.” To see what IVAW is doing, check out Truth in Recruiting Actions, some of which are replicable by anyone.

We have the power, the resources, and the knowledge to stop this war based on lies. It starts with the truth.

For questions, comments, and press inquiries, please contact truth@ivaw.org.