Posted on Oct 5, 2022
Do you have any tips for handling a tough conversation with a recruit who needs to leave a bad home environment?
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I am currently working as a recruiter for the Kentucky National Guard. One of the kids I have been working with, I have learned more about his current home situation and really feel that Active Duty is a better choice for him than the National Guard. He needs to leave home.
APPLEMD is clear and should be relatively easy in that regard. He will need some ASVAB help most likely to pass if a CAT IV waiver is not available. He got a 15 on a practice ASVAB that I gave him today.
I guess my question is really two, what's the best way to talk to navigate the conversation with the kid? And what's the best way to hand him off to an Activr Duty recruiter?
APPLEMD is clear and should be relatively easy in that regard. He will need some ASVAB help most likely to pass if a CAT IV waiver is not available. He got a 15 on a practice ASVAB that I gave him today.
I guess my question is really two, what's the best way to talk to navigate the conversation with the kid? And what's the best way to hand him off to an Activr Duty recruiter?
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Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 10
Sometimes, the best solution is to do nothing. What I mean is that if this kid gets in, goes to Basic and AIT, there's a chance that those times will open the eyes and create the drive to want to change to Active Duty. Do what you can (within legal means) to help the kid get in to the NG then just let the chips fall where they may. You're going to focus too much energy on this kid and possibly screw yourself out of other #s
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SPC Josh Tharp
Thank you for your feedback. I certainly don't want to spend too much time with a kid that can't enlist at all.
Feedback is always welcome and appreciated!
Feedback is always welcome and appreciated!
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I believe SFC Livingston stated the issues well. There are literally hundreds of thousands of Soldiers who have and continue to enter service from bad household situations. The system unintentional pathways, basic and AIT are eye openers for many. Provide guidance for as an prep and physical fitness. He found your office, he did not seek AD.
You care, that is great, stay within the bounds of your duties, you cannot let your heart take you down a path that could effect your career. It sounds hard, but it is what it is.
The path will show itself to him.
You care, that is great, stay within the bounds of your duties, you cannot let your heart take you down a path that could effect your career. It sounds hard, but it is what it is.
The path will show itself to him.
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COL Randall C.
SPC Josh Tharp, I agree with CSM Darieus ZaGara regarding this - stay in your lane. While I applaud your seeking the welfare of the recruit, know your limitations and your appropriate actions.
One thing to consider that I haven't seen mentioned - is this potential recruit still a minor and do you believe there has been "child abuse or neglect"*? If there is a reasonable suspicion it should be reported to the appropriate state agency.
In fact, depending on the state you are in, you may be subjected to mandatory reporting laws (in fact, 18 states have a mandatory reporting requirement for any person who suspects child abuse or neglect) as you are an 'agent of the state' in your role National Guard recruiter.
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* Federal definition of Child Abuse and Neglect
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/define.pdf
* state statues search regarding Child Abuse and Neglect
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state/
One thing to consider that I haven't seen mentioned - is this potential recruit still a minor and do you believe there has been "child abuse or neglect"*? If there is a reasonable suspicion it should be reported to the appropriate state agency.
In fact, depending on the state you are in, you may be subjected to mandatory reporting laws (in fact, 18 states have a mandatory reporting requirement for any person who suspects child abuse or neglect) as you are an 'agent of the state' in your role National Guard recruiter.
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* Federal definition of Child Abuse and Neglect
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/define.pdf
* state statues search regarding Child Abuse and Neglect
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state/
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SPC Josh Tharp
COL Randall C. CSM Darieus ZaGara Thank you both for your insight and response. I really appreciate it.
The young man is 18 and the suggestion for active was a conversation between myself, my immediate supervisor and was initiated by his JROTC instructor once I had the student complete the practice ASVAB.
My immediate supervisor in that conversation agreed that the National Guard isn't the best option for every kid and that Active Duty is a better option for some.
I have taken any course of actions with him regarding the conversation mostly because I want to make sure to understand my left and right limits while also living into integrity and finding where those things come together.
I'm not responsible for his chooses or future, but I am aware of coming across potentially as someone that did not take time to care about the individual and what was best for him because of.how it may impact the way future potential recruit view me.
I hope that makes sense. I'm still learning this process and trying to do it rightly through getting multiple, experienced perspectives about a. Whether or not to do it at all and b. If I do, then how
I really do appreciate and seek out feedback. I would rather harsh feedback now than have it show up on paper that will follow my career. Thank you again for your time.
The young man is 18 and the suggestion for active was a conversation between myself, my immediate supervisor and was initiated by his JROTC instructor once I had the student complete the practice ASVAB.
My immediate supervisor in that conversation agreed that the National Guard isn't the best option for every kid and that Active Duty is a better option for some.
I have taken any course of actions with him regarding the conversation mostly because I want to make sure to understand my left and right limits while also living into integrity and finding where those things come together.
I'm not responsible for his chooses or future, but I am aware of coming across potentially as someone that did not take time to care about the individual and what was best for him because of.how it may impact the way future potential recruit view me.
I hope that makes sense. I'm still learning this process and trying to do it rightly through getting multiple, experienced perspectives about a. Whether or not to do it at all and b. If I do, then how
I really do appreciate and seek out feedback. I would rather harsh feedback now than have it show up on paper that will follow my career. Thank you again for your time.
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COL Randall C.
SPC Josh Tharp sounds like you're doing all the right things. You've gotten your leadership involved and additional authority figures in his life.
The most common failing is people not asking for assistance when they start to get over their head, but you've taken all the right steps from what I can tell!
The most common failing is people not asking for assistance when they start to get over their head, but you've taken all the right steps from what I can tell!
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First, you as a recruiter can not help him with the ASVAB, aside from buying him the ASVAB study book and I would avoid doing that, it could be taken the wrong way and you helping an applicant on the ASVAB is a career ender. Second, you should develop a working relationship with the Active component recruiter, and just have a face to face with him over a cup of coffee.
I know that you want to do the right thing, but you have to look at this as well, with recruitment numbers what they are right now, your area commander might just apply his boot of learning to your seat of understanding, repeatedly if you hand a number to the Active Duty recruiter. It is the same BCT and AIT for the same MOS but he is more likely to get the waiver for the guard.
I know that you want to do the right thing, but you have to look at this as well, with recruitment numbers what they are right now, your area commander might just apply his boot of learning to your seat of understanding, repeatedly if you hand a number to the Active Duty recruiter. It is the same BCT and AIT for the same MOS but he is more likely to get the waiver for the guard.
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COL Randall C.
That bit of advice, "develop a working relationship with the Active component recruiter" is something I feel I need to foot-stomp on heavily. This is something ALL recruiters should be doing - active and reserve component recruiters working together.
Not to poach candidates, but to have a larger view of being able to help whoever walks into the office to the best of your ability.
I'm not saying that the AD route is best for him, but working with your counterparts on the AD side can only help both recruiters out better accomplish their mission.
Not to poach candidates, but to have a larger view of being able to help whoever walks into the office to the best of your ability.
I'm not saying that the AD route is best for him, but working with your counterparts on the AD side can only help both recruiters out better accomplish their mission.
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SPC Josh Tharp
Thank you for your response! A working relationship is a great thing to begin working on and I will.
I hope nothing I wrote would indicate a desire to step outside legal or ethical bounds to help with the ASVAB.
Just that maybe a conversation with a teacher or guidance counselor to encourage tutoring in general for him, given that chances are good that he is at or near failing on core required class for graduation based on the practice ASVAB.
I really appreciate the feedback and will work to utilize it to be a better National Guard recruiter.
I hope nothing I wrote would indicate a desire to step outside legal or ethical bounds to help with the ASVAB.
Just that maybe a conversation with a teacher or guidance counselor to encourage tutoring in general for him, given that chances are good that he is at or near failing on core required class for graduation based on the practice ASVAB.
I really appreciate the feedback and will work to utilize it to be a better National Guard recruiter.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SPC Josh Tharp - My son who finishes BCT in 10 days opted for the National Guard. He needed a hearing waiver and the active duty recruiter was stringing him along. The Guard Recruiter told him that he would submit the request, and try his best to help him. We had taken my son to two civilian Doctors for checks and both physicians said he had no hearing loss at all, but MEPS disagreed, I am not a doctor or the guy that uses the beep beep machine at MEPS so I don't know. What I do know is that the National Guard Recruiter was Spot ON, told the truth, and did his best to get a kid into the uniform that deserved his chance. When the waiver was approved, the Active Duty guy called my son, offered him the world then, and my son, to his credit, stayed with the Guard, because the Guard Recruiter had done what he said he would do.
With the Educational Programs our state offers to National Guard Soldiers, in addition to the GI Bill, he will do very well when he returns from AIT. The Educational Benefits package that the Army National Guard offers is tremendous and may be what this applicant needs.
I love the idea of working with the guidance counselors. They along with coaches and ROTC Instructors can be your best allies. Also, don't forget Home School groups and If I were to bet, there is a Civil Air Patrol squadron in your area. I am a CAP squadron Commander with over 50 Cadets, my local Guard Recruiter is a frequent visitor to our meetings, and is always welcome. He has a way for some of our Cadets from families that can not afford college to get these kids into school.
Go For It Specialist. If your heart stays as it is, that you want to do what is right then you can not help but succeed.
With the Educational Programs our state offers to National Guard Soldiers, in addition to the GI Bill, he will do very well when he returns from AIT. The Educational Benefits package that the Army National Guard offers is tremendous and may be what this applicant needs.
I love the idea of working with the guidance counselors. They along with coaches and ROTC Instructors can be your best allies. Also, don't forget Home School groups and If I were to bet, there is a Civil Air Patrol squadron in your area. I am a CAP squadron Commander with over 50 Cadets, my local Guard Recruiter is a frequent visitor to our meetings, and is always welcome. He has a way for some of our Cadets from families that can not afford college to get these kids into school.
Go For It Specialist. If your heart stays as it is, that you want to do what is right then you can not help but succeed.
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