Parents can keep military recruiters from contacting kids
The Associated Press
05/08/05 - - BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (AP) — Fed up with constant calls and visits from military recruiters seeking to meet monthly enlistment quotas, some parents are unaware the military gets their contact information from their children's schools.
For nearly two years, recruiters showed up at David Antoon's Beavercreek home to try to persuade his oldest son to join, and their presence was not appreciated, he said.
After some research, Antoon found the recruiters has gotten his son's address and phone number from his school, and he could "opt out" by asking Beavercreek High School not to release the information.
"Before kids are shown movies, they bring (consent) forms home for parents to sign," Antoon said. "Yet, schools give my address, phone numbers and (students') grades to recruiters without my knowledge."
Starting in the fall, as a result of Antoon's efforts, Beavercreek schools will start sending home opt-out forms along with other documents parents receive at the beginning of the school year, Superintendent Denny Morrison said.
The No Child Left Behind Act says schools receiving federal funding must give military recruiters the same information they give to colleges. A separate federal law says parents should be notified before schools distribute the information, but the notification can be made in a student handbook or other mailing. Parents also must be told how they can prevent the information's release.
Several other schools say they send home opt-out forms.
Recruiters say they understand some people don't want to join the military and do not intend to pester uninterested students.
High school recruiting "is the most helpful and effective way to fill the ranks of our military," said Maj. David Griesmer, public affairs officer for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
Military officials say the Army and Marines fell short of recruiting goals for the last four consecutive months. Navy and Air Force recruiters are meeting their goals.
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