From Military Service to Gaming: Meet the Real-Life Veteran Making Waves in Call of Duty
A true military hero with 16 years of service, this former Navy SEAL brings his expertise to the virtual battlefield as a playable Operator in Call of Duty Join forces with this accomplished veteran and experience the intensity of combat like never before
The first DLC pack for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III introduces a unique Warrior Pack that supports the Call of Duty Endowment charity. At the core of this DLC is a playable Operator, inspired by a real-life military veteran, which marks the first time such an inclusion has occurred.
This Operator, named Ben, boasts an impressive military background with 16 years of service and retirement as a Navy SEAL. Previously part of SEAL Team Six, Ben has successfully completed missions in Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His bravery and dedication have been recognized through multiple Bronze Stars and being awarded the Purple Heart for sustaining injuries during combat. It is also noteworthy that Ben is related to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, as they are cousins.
"On social media, Johnson declared that he once served our esteemed nation and currently dedicates himself to supporting the veteran community. This commitment has propelled him to become the muse behind the extraordinary Call Of Duty Endowment Warrior Pack, a remarkable fusion of his military background and our cherished Samoan heritage," quoted Johnson.
In the realm of Call of Duty, Ben is recognized by his Operator name "Koa King," an epithet that embodies the spirit of a warrior in the Samoan language.
Introducing the new Warrior Pack! For just $10, you get exclusive access to the Koa King operator, the 6-Karat and Dethroned weapon blueprints, the Island Styling vehicle skin, and the Lion Pride emblem. And that's not all! You'll also receive the Rolling Mane calling card, the Triple Bone trident, and the Bone Skewer charm. Plus, we're throwing in tokens for one hour each of double player XP and double weapon XP. But here's the best part: 100% of the net proceeds from this DLC pack will be donated to the Call of Duty Endowment, a charity that supports our military veterans by helping them secure civilian jobs. Join us in giving back today!
The newest Warrior Pack is now available. Activision has previously partnered with Captain Florent "Flo" Groberg, a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during combat in Afghanistan. Groberg bravely intervened to stop a suicide bombing, successfully tackling the bomber but tragically losing four members of his squad when the bomb detonated. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, President Barack Obama awarded Groberg the Medal of Honor in 2015.
The highly anticipated Modern Warfare III was launched on November 10 and is projected to become the best-selling game of 2023. However, reviews of the campaign mode have been less than favorable, and there have been reports suggesting that the game was developed within a mere 16 months.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the introduction of a playable Operator inspired by a real-life military veteran in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. On the one hand, I appreciate the recognition and respect given to veterans through this inclusion. It is important to honor their service and sacrifices, and this initiative provides a platform to do so. Moreover, the proceeds from the Warrior Pack will be donated to the Call of Duty Endowment, which supports military veterans in securing civilian jobs. This charitable aspect adds a meaningful purpose to the inclusion and encourages players to contribute to a worthy cause.
On the other hand, I have concerns about the potential glorification of violence and warfare through the portrayal of a military veteran as a playable character in a first-person shooter game. While the intention may be to honor their service, there is a risk of desensitizing players to the realities and consequences of combat. Additionally, the marketing language used to promote the Warrior Pack, such as "Join forces with this accomplished veteran and experience the intensity of combat like never before," seems to trivialize the serious nature of military service and reduces it to a mere gaming experience.
Overall, I believe that honoring and supporting military veterans is crucial, but it should be done in a thoughtful and respectful manner. While the inclusion of a real-life veteran-inspired Operator in Call of Duty may have good intentions, it is important to consider the potential implications and ensure that the focus remains on recognizing their service and contributions, rather than glamorizing warfare.
