We’re covering a curious project to improve the image of the Brazilian Army. Are improved economic forecasts warranted? And the new tug of war between the president and Congress.
Call of Duty: Tropic Ops
The Brazilian Army’s Joint Chief Staff has launched Mission Olive Green, which plans to develop a first-person shooter video game — similar to Call of Duty — to “create positive impressions of the Army, especially among the 16-to-24-year-old demographic.”
- The Army’s communications team realized its social media channels only reach strong supporters — giving it rare exposure to other audiences.
Why it matters. The gaming project is to be modeled after the free-to-play shooter America’s Army — launched by the U.S. Armed Forces as a cost-effective recruiting tool which has proven extremely successful.
- A 2008 study suggests that 30 percent of Americans aged 16 to 24 had a more positive impression of the Army because of the game. Another study revealed that around 40 percent of enlisting soldiers had played the game — though it is unclear whether it was a decisive factor.
- Media theorist David B. Nieborg criticized the game and noted that its mechanics are “a careful blend of propaganda, advertising, and education.”
- Baruch College CUNY Professor Corey...