Inside The Battle
US Marine Corps
Issue 60 | September 2021
Agency
Wunderman Thompson Atlanta
Creative Team
Group Creative Director: Alan Whitley Associate Creative Director, Art Director: Andrea Overstreet Associate Creative Director, Copywriter: Matt Covington Junior Art Director: Rita Albert Junior Copywriter: Caroline Lancaster
Production Team
Executive Producer: Jane Jacobsen Digital Tech: Ryan Rodinis Production Company: Alldayeveryday Director: Brian Bennett
Other Credits
Content Strategy Director: Sydney Busby Account Supervisor: Aparna Joshi Business Director: Robin Matthews, Executive Director, Account Management: Sean McNeeley Senior Strategic Planner: Liliana Vazquez Project Manager: Payton Fritch
Date
June 2021
Background
Inside the Battle: Battle Tactics wass a digital effort that looked to bridge the gap between US Marine Corps and the American youth by leveraging gaming content creators to tell the Marine Corps story in their own voices and connect with their followers.
Idea
The Marine Corps challenged four top gaming content creators known for their decisiveness and critical thinking (and sizable YouTube audiences) to train with Marines and compete together in a realistic battle experience aboard the Marine Corps Base Quantico. These gamers shared every step of their experience with their followers on social media, illustrating that there’s more to being a Marine than meets the eye and inspiring the next generation to answer the call to serve. Gaming content creators, Melonie Mac, The WarOwl, Strange Rebel Gaming, and WhosChaos were challenged to train like Marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. With help from Marine mentors, they prepared for the physically and mentally demanding training for four months all while documenting their journey for their viewers before arriving in Quantico to put their skills to the test in realistic infantry tactics training. Watch their videos here: · Pro Gamer vs Marines | Inside the Battle Finale · I Spent 72 Hours with REAL LIFE Marine Corps · Gamer Combat Training for Marine Corps Challenge in Quantico · Girl Gamer gets Marine Combat Training in Quantico To reach new audiences who are not currently exposed to the Marine Corps through gaming content creators and drive recruitment efforts. “Inside the Battle is a strategic opportunity for the Marine Corps to connect with tech-native Gen Z’ers through the world of gaming,” said Alan Whitley, Group Creative Director at Wunderman Thompson Atlanta. “The gamers' cognitive abilities such as critical decision-making skills and fast pattern-recognition are skills Marines demonstrate in real-world training scenarios in Quantico. Gamers are uniquely positioned to share the story of the risks Marines undertake each day and help inspire the next generation to serve their country.”