A story in USA Today reports on the difficulties faced by Army recruiters. There are roughly 7,000 recruiters and they estimate they must make 120 to 150 contacts just to get one person to enlist. They're offering special incentives to potential recruits but there's a great deal of concern that not enough will enlist. Meanwhile the Army is trying this unique partnership as part of their recruiting effort...
As part of their partnership with arena football there are "multiple enhancements" which designate the U.S. Army as the official military service partner of the league for the season. This includes logo identification on all player home jerseys, on-field signage and various additional in-arena promotions.
Judging by the fact that this league isn't exactly on fire, it might be a little too much to hope this partnership will make up for any potential shortfall in recruiting numbers. ...and judging by the fan base, only the marines will be able to take in these recruits. (just kidding)
Lt. General John Riggs worries about finding enough soldiers to maintain current levels and for a possible 10,000-soldier increase that was endorsed by the Senate last year but failed to win full congressional approval. He says, "I have been in the Army 39 years, and I've never seen the Army as stretched in that 39 years as I have today."
Meanwhile, General Blount is trying to look at the bright side. He says that the majority of the Army will have a combat patch for the first time since Vietnam, "We were already the best army in the world. Now we're the most experienced." Of course he's in charge of Army readiness so what's he going to say.
Posted by jdmays at January 21, 2004 09:30 PM | TrackBackIt's really difficult for the service recruiters to get the word out about what's available. I'm very surprised that the recruiters are allowed go to high schools and talk to kids - there are so many high strung, off the wall parents out there.
So, many kids never find out the types of jobs that are available through the service. The only thing that enters their sphere of consciousness is that - well after 3 years I could get college money - but they want to go to college NOW!
My son found out on his own, by browsing the army web site, that helicopter pilots are not required to have a 4 year college degree (unlike the AF pilots). He didn't want to go to college right now - and he enlisted. He's now finished his AIT and will be repairing the helicopters he hopes to be flying one day. But he never would've known about that if he hadn't tried to find out more on his own. (heaven forbid he actually TALK to the recruiters - LOL)
Posted by: Teresa at January 21, 2004 10:32 PMThat's true. More exposure to the recruiters is a good thing. Especially since the military would be perfect for some of them.
Posted by: JD Mays at January 22, 2004 07:00 AM