Air Force using Video Games for Recruitment?

In this blog I try and focus on positive, unique uses of video games. However, this week I stumbled across an article regarding the United States Air Force using video games as a recruitment tool.

Halo 3 was released this week, so playing off the hype of that the Air Force set up a Halo tournament. Using the back of a pimped out military SUV, they attracted many adolescent gamers.

What is wrong with this? Well first the game is rated "Mature", so it's for ages 17 and older. Many gamers were near 13, much younger than the intended age. Secondly I think its appalling that they are using a video game as means to recruit people to the military, when they know they will attract teenagers. Do you feel this is morally right?

Video Games as Physical Therapy?

Continuing with the Nintendo Wii theme this week I came across an article highlighting a U.S. soldier in Germany whose doctor orders him to play video games. The time he spends playing helps rehabilitate his wrist and elbow he broke from a vehicle accident while serving in Kuwait.

Military therapists think it's more effective using video games rather than exercises because the game takes your mind off the motions you are doing. Therefore you can do more motions, and at a faster rate; both huge pluses.

It's pretty awesome that "video game therapy" is effective. And defiantly a great alternative from normal physical therapy. I can certainly see more people in therapy requesting such a program from their physician.