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October 11, 2008 1:23:47 AM CDT

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Military's New Recruiting Tool: Ultimate Fighting

Posted May 30, 08 8:09 AM CDT in Sports 

(Newser) – The US military is mining an unlikely new recruiting ground: the 18- to 30-year-old devotees of mixed martial arts. MMA, which John McCain once labeled human cockfighting, has surged in popularity while instituting rules to appease lawmakers. The armed forces have begun organizing ultimate fighting championships of their own, not only to appeal to the young fan base but as a training aid, reports the New York Times.

“As long as we’re all about our values and upfront about what the Army stands for, and that’s being warriors, the question is, what kind of warriors?” said an Army director. “The game of mixed martial arts is just that, it’s a game. But the game can be training for the real thing.”

Source New York Times

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Mixed martial arts requires a number of the same skills that soldiers require in today's military operations, thought the sport's focus on solo glory runs counter to the Army's teamwork focus.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) superstar Chuck Liddell, also known as 'The Iceman,' appeals to much the same demographic as the military's prime recruiting targets.   (AP Photo)
Tito Ortiz, left, was invited to a Marine Corps celebration, over some protestations. His plan to bring his girlfriend, porn star Jenna Jameson, resulted in the invitation's withdrawal.   (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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