“Children chosen over trained adults...to fight war...alien species: The Formics”-WSJIn Orson Scott Card's Enders Game, the earth has went through two ferocious wars with an alien species called Formics, or more commonly known as Buggers. During the first invasion, the Buggers were exploring life outside their solar system. The second Bugger invasion wanted to colonize the land. After the first Bugger invasion, the countries of the world decided to unite and create a single government. This new government was called the Hegemony and ruled the earth by taking advantage of human xenophobia towards the Buggers. Under the Hegemony, “countries” shared resources, technology, and soldiers. Child soldiers indeed. The Hegemony formed the IF (international fleet) after the second invasion to train and develop child soldiers against the Buggers. The IF created multiple phases of training, including Battle School, Pre-Command School, and finally Command School. But why use children? The answer dates back to the Formic invasions of Earth and the near extinction of humanity. The examination of the decision was not based on why the IF chose child soldiers, but on the use of child soldiers. The Hegemony concluded that, regardless of the moral questions, children make better soldiers because they: don't have the anxiety of taking risks, are much easier to manipulate, and don't have huge egos getting in their way. Risk takers often help soften regimented rules and bring out a more creative side in people. For example, at Battle School, Ender was moved early from a newly launched group to specific groups called armies. Ender was transferred to the Salamander Army with Commander Bonzo Madrid. Bonzo was always worried about his pride,...... middle of paper....... Unlike what adults tend to do, children are often eager to learn and don't think they understand everything. Ender displays this trait while talking to Dink (toonleader) admitting that Ender doesn't have much skill in the Battle Room. Dink's response is to learn, and Ender follows suit by saying teach me. An ego can disrupt human interactions, however an ego aids self-preservation; the key is control. To say that adults are fewer than children is an understatement. To say that children are worth more than adults is an exaggeration. Children may be better suited to activities that require greater risk-taking and the ability to overcome one's ego, yet they are also easy to manipulate. The exploitation of children in war is not necessarily a moral decision, but in times of necessity a moral evolution can occur. You have to decide whether the ends justify the means.