Part of... huh?

Recently, pop-star Katy Perry released her new "hit" single, Part of Me. The music video featured members of the United States Marine Corps, especially female Marines, during what seemed to be a very fast transition from a watered down version of intake, boot camp and then actual combat. The video was shot on site, at Camp Pendleton, CA, and used actual USMC equipment and personnel.

I, personally, feel that the video was misleading, and not at all faithful to the majority of those who choose to serve in today's military. After breaking up with her boyfriend, Perry's character sees a sticker in a gas station that promotes female Marines as being the toughest of the lot. So, she enlists without further thought. Now, you go anywhere on-base in the US, whether it be at Travis AFB, Ft. Benning, Norfolk or Camp Lejeune, you will find that the majority of Marines, airmen, sailors and soldiers will tell you, truthfully, that they enlisted or were commissioned because they wanted to serve their country, nothing else. See, the military doesn't take people who want to run away from their previous life, whether it was one filled with crime or illegal activity, or it was one filled with debt and financial loss. The military only accepts those who come up to their standard, and truly display a love of country so strong that they're willing to take the oath, train and get in the fight. Perry's video makes the military come across as a refuge for those hurt with petty issues.

Another issue I had with the video, is that she portrays herself as a member of a combat unit. As you may know, the DoD did authorize females of a certain rank to be present in a combat unit in a purely administrative role. This does not mean that women have been integrated into combat MOSs (Military Occupational Specialty) and I don't think this will happen for years and years to come. It seems, these days, that a lot of young women want the thrill of combat. Now, women actually do, occasionally get shot at, and get the chance to return fire, in Afghanistan, and previously Iraq. The thing is, these women are NOT in combat MOSs, and aren't guaranteed action! I'm willing to bet, after viewing this, a ton of young females interested in joining the military went over to their local recruiting office and asked for an 03 or 11B MOS!

Tim Kennedy (Awesome MMA fighter/Special Forces operator), did an awesome job parodying the video! I recommend it to everyone!