Yes, they do. I just went over to GoArmy and checked it out (you know, they REALLY push the Army over there. Makes me wonder how many soldiers enlisted on a glamourized view of things.)
http://www.goarmy.com/ChatWithStar.do#
Example of a conversation with said Virtual Recruiter (Gomez was my pseudonym for this session):
Code:
SGT STAR: Welcome. Please log in by clicking 'Log In' or 'Create an Account' in the lower window to gain access to more features.
How can I help you today?
Gomez: What kind of advancement opportunities are present in the Army?
SGT STAR: The Army has many interesting jobs in different areas, provided you qualify and a vacancy exists.
I can search for jobs if you tell me what you're interested in, or you can browse through the job categories to the right.
Gomez: Would I make a good soldier?
SGT STAR: Displayed below are answers that I believe are related to your question.
What is an enlisted soldier?
BCT Communication
Housing Allowance
Gomez: Will I be deployed?
SGT STAR: In times of war, deployment is likely. The possibility of deployment depends on your MOS and unit of assignment.
All Soldiers must be strong, trained and ready upon assignment to a unit and prior to any deployment, including training exercises,
humanitarian missions or combat operations. In general, deployments last a maximum of one year. If you join the Army at the
age of 17, you will not be eligible to deploy until you are 18 years of age.
Gomez: Will I get to see my family in the Army?
SGT STAR: Your friends and family are welcome to visit you at most times once you get to your first
assignment. However, there will be times during your term, depending on your unit's mission,
that you will be unavailable to your non-military friends and family. During Basic Training, family
members and friends are encouraged to attend Family Day and your graduation.
Gomez: Is Basic Training Difficult?
SGT STAR: Basic Combat Training is both demanding and challenging, but well worth it.
It should be viewed as an opportunity to gain valuable strengths and skills. During these
nine weeks, you'll become physically and mentally stronger-capable of taking on any
mission the Army gives you.
Gomez: Can I be in the Special Forces?
SGT STAR: Special Forces Soldiers are the Army's most specialized experts in
unconventional warfare. They make up a strategic multi-purpose force capable
of a rapid response to various contingencies around the world. These highly skilled
Soldiers are trained in various missions and environments and are sometimes called
on to survive for months behind enemy lines.
Gomez: I don't want to kill anything
SGT STAR: All Soldiers are required to learn marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat
and other tactics related to combat. Soldiers depend on each other during combat
operations. If you are not willing to use your training, then perhaps the Army is
not for you.
Gomez: kill kill kill
SGT STAR: While it may be possible to deploy and fight in a war, joining the
Army is not about killing anyone. You may or may not be involved in that type
of situation; however, serving in the United States Army is about serving and
defending your country.
Edit: OK, there's no way to make the text in the box any bigger. I tried :blotto:
Now, I think that answers several common questions people might have about the US Army. Instead of having a question-based option though, I think presenting things in a searchable database would be more effective.
As for the challenges of keeping it updated and relevant, I haven't figured out a solution to that just yet
A wiki system with mod-approval might work.
), whereas with a simple GUI connected to a question/answer that may not be as difficult.
