Any advice on Army Recruiting? Will Recruiting separate me from my peers or will it be the downfall of my career?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 20:19:31 -0400

Any advice on Army Recruiting ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 9:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 21:31:05 -0400

All kinds. I ran a center as a detailed recruiter and managed to maintain being the top recruiter in my company at the same time. What are your questions?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Apr 10 at 2019 9:32 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 21:32:33 -0400

Advice regarding what about recruiting? Your question is rather vague.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Apr 10 at 2019 11:04 PM

MSG Charles Turner — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 23:04:06 -0400

I became a US Army Recruiter against my will. In the late 70s three was a major Shake Up in USAREC due to some recruiters doing illegal activities. A major amount of them were relievved ! That caused the Army to involuntarily send many of us out to serve there. Even though I was not happy I did my Best. That was not good enough (at least at first) as I did not write an Enlistment Contract until my 4 month. However, as with Most Army Assignments, IF I DID NOT GIVE UP AND PUT MORE EFFORT INTO THE JOB and LESS Justification for my Failure.. well IT PAID OFF! I was very Successful, I got Promoted and I feel my Successful Time BECAME A STRONG Achievement in my career. I know that it NEVER HURT ME!

My advice is GO WITH A POSITIVE OPEN MIND AND GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT! It will Make you a Better SOLDIER either way! One Bit of Advice, Remember those you help become Soldiers, may be the same Individuals that guard your life in the future.

~ole Sarge~

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2019 3:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 03:15:49 -0400

It can be good and bad depending on how you personally do. You are selling a car that no one can see or test drive with the impression it can blow up at any time. Your first year is hell. You are understanding the science of recruiting. That’s where you start up from the ground. You gain your COI’s and VIP’s. You make mistakes and have good chances of messing up paperwork or just getting burnt out from the hours you have to pull to get your numbers. Second year you understand the art of it and do much better and understand how to talk and who to talk to. Third year should be cake. For me I could literally work two hours a day and make 1 or 2 a month which is what you should aim for in most areas. People I put in the army in the past would bring in friends or kids from schools that liked me or whatever would introduce all their friends to me. It’s truly what you make of it. Good vibes bring good numbers. Bad vibes bring bad numbers. It will be either really good for you or really bad for you depending on your achievements and success. Also your team and station commander are the most influential part of your success and enjoyment. It’s a hit and miss type of deal. I personally believe i was not as fortunate with a few of my station commanders but had one really good one who allowed you to do what you have to do to make mission. Any questions about any of it, just shoot me a message and I’ll do my best to answer.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 11 at 2019 3:47 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:47:38 -0400

My advice is don’t do it, unless you want a post Army career as either a pimp, used car salesman or televangelist. I was a recruiter and it was by far the worst job I ever had. You basically lie for a living and it was my experience their was no honor whatsoever among recruiters.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Apr 11 at 2019 5:39 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:39:44 -0400

I was selected. Did not want to do it. I learned more about myself on recruiting than at any time in my career. I found it could be done successfully while maintaining your integrity. You will learn why soldiers enlist. This helped me after I returned to mainstream army deal with the young soldiers. I never lied to recruits nor had them lie to get in. It was my worst duty in my 21 years in the army, but I think it did help me be a better NCO. At the beginning, It was hard times for me getting people to enlist. Then I kept reading books by Zig Zigler and Tom Hopkins on sales, and improved. I actually earned my ring out there, which back in 95-98 was very hard to do. So, overall it helped my career.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Apr 11 at 2019 7:28 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:28:38 -0400

Any duty outside of your career field, if done so successfuly, can separate you from your peers. Anytime you excel and it’s recorded on an NCOER, you have set yourself apart. One thing that is unique about recruiting duty is that nothing in your Army career can prepare you or give you an advantage. It’s such a unique assignment and can really test you. One thing Recruiting will surly do is to take you well outside of your comfort zone. You will learn more about Army programs and how challenging it can be to find that qualified applicant. The pressure to perform and meet your mission is immense. This is where you integrity and discipline will be severely tested. No one will be watching you. I’ve seen NCOs end thier career for a woman/man, for money, and other crazy things. If you succeed, you’ll be a better NCO than before. Good luck.

Response by Simone Favor made Apr 12 at 2019 10:49 AM

Simone Favor — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:49:10 -0400

I haven’t even shipped off for OSUT yet, just wanted to hit this question from a recruit standpoint. I have been through the recruiting process for a LONG time. I’ve went through MEPS for the navy it was a shit show in my experience. I’ve just went through the process of enlisting in the army. I’ve been to MEPS 6 times at least. I think that if you do your best you will succeed and be happy for the experience. I hope that you will be the type of recruiter recruits hope to have. The impact that you will have the chance to make on people’s lives will be amazing. Make a good impact and I think everything else will fall in place. Good Luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2019 2:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:14:09 -0400

Yes...LOL

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 23 at 2019 7:29 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 19:29:21 -0400

Are there not more volunteers than there are available slots? Negates the need to lie to recruits if you have more meat than you can possibly take on, I assumed Obama’s reduction would just back up the system. Is this problem branch specific? Just curious.