The Super Bowl of
Military Recruiting Commercials
*Though in magazine form, this 1987 All Hands Magazine also gets a mention before we move into television media marketing.*
If the U.S. Military advertised during the Super Bowl, these would be in the running for the caliber of commercial that makes the cut.
Given that this is the Super Bowl weekend, I thought about many of the engaging commercials that will be appearing this year and then my brain did a military history data dump of all the favorite military commercials through the years.
Check these out! Pretty fun romp through history with some motivating commercials too.
Honorable Mention: Army Pilot Commercial: High School to Flight School -(video) How cool is that? Flying gun ships before the age of 20! Teens in the 80s flocked to this one after high school.
#10 - Coast Guard - There are many thankless jobs out there - the Coast Guard is not one of them. Cool video commercial showing saving people's lives in dangerous situations. (Video link)
#9 - US Navy - Accelerate Your Life - Life on the deck of an aircraft carrier is accelerated for sure, but the LIfe, Liberty, and the Pursuit of ALL Those Who Threaten it - hits hard! Go Navy! (Video link)
#8 - US Navy from Sea to Stars - SEALs, SWCC, EOD Divers, Submarines, Surface Ships, Pilots all getting it done in this cool commercial showing the Navy Team. (video link)
#7 - Air Force Special Warfare / Pilot Commercial - This one is fairly new but hardcore, like the groundfighting forces of the Air Force Special Warfare Community. Having an A-10 doing its thing is a big plus in this combat scene. (video link)
#6 - Army Navy Game Video: This is a classic historical ride through generations of young Americans deciding to serve their country and attend one of the service academies. This was the 2017 Army Navy Game Opening Video. Instant Classic! (Video link)
#5: Army Air Drop / Coffee Sip: True Classic! Be All That You Can Be! "We do more by 9am than most people do all day". Get it done Army! This one made you think you could always work harder. (video link)
#4: USMC Full Circle - After some comments from Marines, the Full Circle Commercial belongs here and we will let the Marine fighting a lava monster slide into history. (video link)
#3 - US Army Ranger Commercial from the 80s: I remember this one when I was a teen and had a few guys from my high school who were older than me become Rangers. Hardcore dudes! (video link)
#2 - USMC Knight Commercial: Always thought the USMC had the coolest uniforms and the relating military service to being a knight was way too cool!
(video link)
WE HAVE A TIE FOR NUMBER ONE! My original posting neglected one that I now remember as another Navy classic. Thanks to Tom Short, my USNA and BUDS classmate for this late submission.
#1a - A Dude is Buying a Minivan Right Now (lol) - This one hurts deep if you have a minivan. But it is classic in your face Navy: (link to video)
#1b - Navy SEAL Footprints on the Beach: Of course I am biased, but after I saw this one I wanted to go through BUDS all over again. Just a timeless classic for SEAL recruiters. (video link)
I hope you enjoyed the military commercial top "ten" list. If you are thinking about serving check out these articles and fitness prep programs at StewSmithFitness.com - Do your research and check out these official military website links too. Recruiting Websites / List of Articles by Stew Smith
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Core Mission
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Tactical Fitness Training For the Candidate / Recruit: Specializing in preparing individuals for military, special ops, law enforcement, and firefighter selection programs (getting you "TO and THROUGH" training).
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Functional Training for Both Active Duty / Recruits: Utilizing a seasonal tactical fitness periodization system that balances longer workouts of running/rucking, swimming, and calisthenics during the Spring/Summer when days are longer. Then, the focus shifts in the Fall/Winter to lifting (Cals/cardio maintenance) when the days are shorter/colder. This process has 25 years of proven success building tactical athletes who improve in all areas of fitness: strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, muscle stamina, mobility, flexibility, and grip.
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The Ageless Athlete (Fitness Over 50): A 22-week program designed for beginners to advanced trainees looking to regain fitness, flexibility, and energy.
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Tactical Fitness Course: An 80-minute course on preparing for Spec Ops selection, getting TO and THROUGH the toughest military special ops’ programs using this two-phase system.
Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization - A 25 Year proven system to become a tactical athlete. What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?
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Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
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NEW SKOOL.com Tactical Fitness Community
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Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
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Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.
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And More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs
When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model. I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics. When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.
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