I am currently looking at requesting Army recruiter for my next assignment. What does the daily life looks like for recruiters now?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 01:19:31 -0400

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 8 at 2016 1:25 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 01:25:42 -0400

I hope you like talking on the telephone, and working late into the night to make you cold calls as required. I did not like it but then I did not like anything that did not involve jumping from an airplane while in flight or being a paratrooper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2016 7:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 07:45:34 -0400

It was a long 3 years. It also depends on where you are stationed when recruiting.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 8 at 2016 9:25 AM

CDR Terry Boles — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 09:25:33 -0400

36-months of resetting your recruiting quota for each and every month, looooong 3-years. Best advice, be honest to your applicants, word of mouth recruiting goes a very long way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 11:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 11:46:18 -0400

SSG Charlton,
USAREC is great opportunity. I enjoyed my time while I was out there which made it go by really fast. Inbox me I'll tell you what made me successful and how to have fun while doing it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 12:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 12:06:42 -0400

Well... They told me it would be Monday through Friday, pretty much 9-5... Believe that if you want. Other that, it's like pretty much any assignment. Experiences will vary. It really depends on where you go. I can only HIGHLY recommend Dallas BN, Plano Co. The people out here seem to really love us

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2016 2:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:58:29 -0400

Pretty much the 9th circle of the Inferno.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jul 10 at 2016 6:16 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 18:16:12 -0400

It was 36 1 month tours. Hero to zero overnight. It was pretty tough. At least for the Marine side of the house. We worked as much as the Army and Navy. M-F was usually 12 hours. Sat was around 6-8 and Sunday was shipping. If you are a stud and getting your mission plus every month, you can work your own hours, that is if your station as a whole is on track to make mission. If not, you suffer as well.

There was a valuable benefit you learn as a recruiter and that is communication skills. It helped me grow as a leader and 14 years later helps me at my civ job.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2016 10:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 22:15:18 -0400

Army Recruiting is based on a lot of things... location, leadership, and drive. First location I have been in Iowa and it has it's days but hard to get to markets allow for long nights at times. But try to get a good location the best you can and make the best of it. However if you get a bad location like the pacific west coast or some of the Midwest just embrace the challenge and drive on.

Second leadership, if you have good leadership that cares about the Soldier, then the mission you will have an amazing environment. Understand that in Recruiting the mission never stops, we do not have breaks. Its not about what you did, its about what you have (in regards to pushing enlistments). Recruiting will challenge your leadership, but it will more so teach you how to effectively manage your time.

Third is drive, you have to want to be successful. Don't worry about other Soldiers just focus on what's in your ruck. Trust me you will have enough rocks in your ruck, a lot of troops allow the actions of a few to bog down there production, be strong, be resilient!

Overall just inspire others to be you, and this will help you tell the Army Story. I have completed my time in USAREC and now am about to leave it to return to my CMF. SSG Charlton if you want to stand out from your peers do it, worked for me.

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Jul 12 at 2016 12:32 AM

SSG Thomas Gallegos — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:32:45 -0400

I recruited in the infancy years of OEF/OIF and it was hell. I have a family member who is a SSG looking to volunteer as well. He tells me they only work 50 a week and every other Saturday. I don't believe that but who really knows.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 12 at 2016 1:04 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 01:04:47 -0400

I have noticed that they are working mobile more now. Threat condition is keeping offices closed. Fewer DEP meetings.
If you take the assignment, Please be willing to teach them something. Many DEP meetings are Weigh ins only. I've seen it in all branches. But I have been disappointed most by my Army offices. Show them how to succeed. Soldier Care starts at your office door.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jul 14 at 2016 10:40 AM

SFC Wayne Theilen — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 10:40:24 -0400

Are you married? Do you still wanna be married? USAREC eats its own. No matter how many you put in boots. The beast is never satisfied. But if you do it. Have fun with it. You have to put on the salesman hat 24 hrs a day. And a word of advice. When you get your business cards. Put the year calendar on the back. Hand out 100 cards a day no matter what. Even if they don't want to enlist. Tell them there is a calendar on the back. 30% will come back to you. That's how I was successful in NYC Staten Island

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jul 17 at 2016 11:13 AM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 11:13:20 -0400

Recruiting has changed over the years. To get a better idea how it is currently go to the local recruiting office and talk to your fellow NCOs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 11:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 11:42:47 -0400

I was DA selected for recruiting in 2012, recruited from 2012 to 2015, then left AD. First a disclaimer. Recruiting is different everywhere, command has a lot to do with it, as does the demographics of your area. I'll start with the good. No field, no CQ/SD, no deployments. You will go home every night (maybe not at a reasonable time, but you will). You work out in the community, plenty of opportunities to help people, plenty of opportunity to network (great if you are planning to get out). Now for the bad. No Soldiers to train or mentor. (Recruits make up for this in a sense, but not really.) In recruiting, literally the only thing that matters is numbers. Your success, NCOERS and quality of life depends on numbers, not just your own, but the entire station and to a lesser extent, the company and BN. Never have I seen so many "leaders" forget the Army values and NCO creed in pursuit of the all mighty mission. I have seen literal felony level fraud be swept under the rug and condoned. Never have I been so pressured (overtly and otherwise) to forsake my integrity for the sake of getting a contract. 79Rs seem to often forget that the kids we put in will go to war alongside our brothers and sisters, and don't care what kind of trash gets in, as long as they make their mission. Lastly, it doesn't matter what you do, if someone doesn't sign, or signs and then becomes disqualified or backs out, it is always your fault, and a direct reflection of your failings as a person, Soldier and NCO. The job is physically easy, but very stressful and emotionally draining. Ultimately, my time in recruiting made me question my commitment to the Army...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 12:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:05:24 -0400

I did my recruiting duty at the beginning of OEF/OIF, and before my 36 months were up I was involuntarily extended making my tour 52 months! I was successful but I hated recruiting! Being in the tundra of Brainerd, Mn didn't help!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 12:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:48:08 -0400

Fly south like a bird in Winter my friend. As far south as you can go. And when you think you've gone as far as you can go, continue further until you run into Trumps wall. Recruiting in the north is hell. Winter is coming, and winter has arrived. I want to be as ominous as possible because you should go Drill Sergeant and never speak of this again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 4:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 16:15:57 -0400

I am about to finish my tour and you need to think long and hard about what you are about to do. I highly recommend you go drill sergeant. Recruiting is a beast of its own, long hours, terrible leadership and no career opportunities especially in the Midwest. If you do decide to do this you better pray you get the south and that probably will not happen unless you are bilingual.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 6:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 18:37:51 -0400

Well... I was in Shreveport company for 4.5 years, due to an involuntary extension. It had its ups, and downs. It's literally what you make of it. I got there when we were still pounding out 6 am to midnight, 6 days a week. And then a few hours on Sunday. Left when it was 9-5 Monday through Friday. And now it's back to the old ways. I liked it, I hated it. All depends on which day I'm thinking of. Ha ha

Response by SSG Max Geitner made Jul 18 at 2016 7:16 AM

SSG Max Geitner — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 07:16:04 -0400

Don't do it. Go be range cadre. Recruiting broke me. I'm now out of the Army. Because of it.

Response by SGT Ray Rose made Jul 18 at 2016 7:32 AM

SGT Ray Rose — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 07:32:53 -0400

I did it from 09 -12 and its ok. Depends where you get stationed. I was near Everett Washington.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 18 at 2016 8:48 AM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 08:48:36 -0400

I have nothing to offer here, but in reading the responses from experienced recruiters I believe I'd proceed with caution. I didn't read one response doing cartwheels.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 2:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 14:17:54 -0400

Career wise I'm told that it is good as a broadening assignment. I worked in South Texas and I was driving 5-6 hours a day. I seen a lot of people talk about it what you make it. That is true. I did not like it but I had a mission to do so put everything I had in it. My wife told me she would rather have me deployed than do recruiting again. It will be hard on your family life. But everyone has a different experience. The two other detail recruiters I worked with loved it and converted

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 3:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 15:46:30 -0400

A lot depends on location and your command. I loved it and hated it all at the same time. Glad 08-11 and ran straight back to Bragg.

Response by SFC John Wurgler made Jul 18 at 2016 3:50 PM

SFC John Wurgler — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 15:50:25 -0400

I served as a 79R in USAREC for 13 of my 20 years. Understand what you are getting into before doing anything. If married make sure she understands because won't have much if any family time. No matter how successful you may have been before recruiting once you sign on None of that matters anymore. Don't believe anything that is promised like promotions, locations, time off or anything else related because it probably won't happen. Just be ready!!

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 18 at 2016 4:23 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 16:23:06 -0400

What you have heard so far, both good and bad, is on target. But what you haven't heard yet is that the long arm of USAREC can come back and get you after you have done your 3 year tour. You will earn a secondary MOS of 79R when you graduate the recruiting course. Every SFC board after, you will be looked at by both CMF's. If your primary MOS is one with an over abundance of eligible SSG's and limited SFC forecasted vacancies, you will automatically be considered in your secondary MOS. And guess what, USAREC needs more 79R E7's than what voluntarily converts. So the DA selection board has no choice but select SSG's for E7 as 79R's who were not selected in their PMOS. Happened to me in 2000. I turned it down and was removed from the list. When the next list came out in 2001, I was on it again in my SMOS 79R. Had no choice but to take it or screw myself to ever make E7. I had to go back to recruiting school, and about 3/4 of that class were all gold badge re-treads, newly promoted SFC 79R's. That was 2002. To my knowledge, it still happens with every E7 board. That is your reward for doing such a great job during your 3 year detailed tour. Good Luck!

Response by SSgt Stephen Mills made Jul 18 at 2016 4:32 PM

SSgt Stephen Mills — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 16:32:35 -0400

Location location location. I did it for awhile at Lawton OK. AKA Ft Sill. It's hard to make numbers when everyone is already in.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 18 at 2016 5:35 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 17:35:16 -0400

I was a Recruiter in 1980 to 1982, One month I was asked to put more people in than my quota, as the District was not going to make mission, at the time my mission was 1 1A HS grad, 1 senior 1 female, 1 Prior service. I put in 12 people that month to help the District. I got a call that the Colonel wanted to talk to me, I thought great, he's going to commend me for putting in 12 when my mission was 4. I got there and got a letter telling me I failed to make mission because I did not enlist a female. 2 months later they wanted to know if I wanted to extend my time on Recruiting Duty, I went back to the Infantry, at least there I could identify the enemy

Response by SGT John Boyles made Jul 18 at 2016 5:43 PM

SGT John Boyles — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 17:43:21 -0400

Recruiting was the death of my career. I couldn't stand snobby disrespectful kids that you have to talk to and deal with on a daily bases. Honestly it didn't feel like I was even in the army anymore. Recruiting is so cut throat. You'll see some crazy shit. In my time in recruiting it made me rethink the people that I served with. If you are wanting to do a special assignment go drill sergeant. The only people on recruiting that do well are the turds.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 5:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 17:46:06 -0400

Keys are be yourself, have fun and work hard when your there

Response by SFC Albert King made Jul 18 at 2016 6:44 PM

SFC Albert King — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 18:44:54 -0400

Run don't look back. Recruting has been the death of many great NCO's. Recruiting is NOT the Army and yea it will destroy you mariage

Response by SPC Jeffrey Frusha made Jul 18 at 2016 8:03 PM

SPC Jeffrey Frusha — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:03:16 -0400

All I can ask, as a veteran that tried to get back in, is: Be fair and treat all comers as if they are the single most important part of your task, veteran, or youngster.

When I was trying to get back in, just before Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the recruiter lied and tossed my papers into the bottom of his desk. I was there saying 'Send me, not some fresh out of High School kid', but because I didn't represent a bonus, I wasn't worth his time and effort, to send in a few pieces of paper, to reenlist. My papers were eventually found, and he was blocked from ever being a recruiter, again. He blamed me for tracking down my papers, when I was trying to do the honorable thing. He ruined my chance of serving in combat, for which I was already trained. Because of him, I am certain that several lives were surely lost, for lack of experience and lower training than we had in Cold War Europe, where I served over 2 years. I'm not saying I was a great Armor crewman, but I was one Hell of a tank-driver, and should have been with 2/69 Armor, when they rolled into Baghdad, not watching innocent kids die on TV.

Response by SPC Michael Mead made Jul 18 at 2016 8:46 PM

SPC Michael Mead — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:46:55 -0400

Seems most posting here found recruiting less than satisfactory. I never recruited, so feel free to dismiss this, but picture this: an entire office full of recruiters couldn't agree with me fast enough when I would sit on the fence and say how "it's a big decision," and so forth. All but one. An E-7, the NCOIC. He said, "No it's not. It's a few years, you can do that standing on your head. That's nothing."
That point of view I couldn't argue. That point of view earned my signature. Because he seemed more like a professional Soldier, and less like a lying sonofabitch used car salesman.

Response by SPC James Anderson made Jul 18 at 2016 8:53 PM

SPC James Anderson — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:53:17 -0400

Start having Pokemon Go toons appear in recruiting offices. Have them sign paperwork to catch toon. Make mission the first 3 days, take rest of month off. Easy money.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 9:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 21:36:42 -0400

Recruited from 99-03. Was the hardest job I have ever had in 25 yrs in the Army and that includes being a 1SG and S-3 SGM in Afghan. On the good side it will test you in all aspects and you will learn time management, self discipline, and organization skills. It's a hard job and to do it for 3 yrs is rough on the family. Be positive and learn from the seasoned recruiters at your station. But the most important thing is never go to the dark side.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 9:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 21:38:09 -0400

Don't do it!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 9:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 21:55:31 -0400

Like everyone else has said, your center will really dictate how your time on recruiting will be. I have a great center, but we all live so far apart and have a long commute. I generally leave the house at 530 and get home between 1830 and 2100. You can really go from hero to zero in a month. Doesn't matter what you did this month or last month. It's what you have for next month.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 10:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:02:02 -0400

Recruiting sucks that was all I gotta say about my experience just runaway. You'd be better off doing Drill

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jul 18 at 2016 10:02 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:02:36 -0400

SSG C
Army recruiting can be a very rewarding assignment for yourself. I won't sugarcoat it, Army recruiting can be extremely daunting, hours may be long depending on where you are assigned. You have a monthly mission of recruiting atleast 2 new recruits per month, again depends on where you are stationed/assigned. Regardless where you are at, remember to recruit with the utmost of integrity. Be professional and represent the Army as an ambassador. Work your high schools and colleges and let them know, you are there to help them out. Yes, you have heard the horror stories of Army recruiting and all those tall tales. The old adage goes, winners excel, Soldiers perform their duty, and champions go across the finish line first....I spent 15 years in Army recruiting SSG, I would not ever trade it in for anything....I heard the echoes, recruiting is not the real Army, well SSG C, I for one am here to tell you, it does not get any more "real". Especially when you are recruiting the future of our beloved Army. Good luck comrade, I would definatley go for it, atleast for a tour.

Response by SP6 Richie Love made Jul 18 at 2016 10:12 PM

SP6 Richie Love — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:12:35 -0400

Recruiting sucked. It was a 36 month tour that sucks the life right out of you. You will either become a drunk or whore and maybe both. If married start looking for a good lawyer because your wife will leave you. I want to beat the hell out of the whole recruiting chain of command I had. The station commander recruiters or guys who converted have no morals or values. Piss on Recruiting.

Response by PO1 Edward Spencer made Jul 18 at 2016 10:13 PM

PO1 Edward Spencer — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:13:01 -0400

Worst three years of my life. Saw several of the chain of change above me get court martialed. 70-80 hour weeks were the norm, and I had several leave chits "lost in routing" for weeks at a time. Out of the five recruiters in my office, four of us were on some kind of antidepressants or antianxiety medication. The Recruiter in Charge of my office spent 18 months in prison.

Response by SFC Wayne Corey made Jul 18 at 2016 10:17 PM

SFC Wayne Corey — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:17:35 -0400

I was a drafted recruiter back in the mid 80's. I made mission monthly and was a station commander. I earned a gold badge with sapphire when I left recruiting after three and a half years. You're on duty 24 hours a day. You do get a little family life but your mission comes first. Every day you will be micro managed from the minute you walk into the station until you shut off the lights late in the evening after making your hundred or more phone calls. It can be rewarding and for those that like to sell it's a good job to have. However, I didn't like being a salesmen. One other thing is that you never have to lie to who ever you are talking to about the Army. Never!

Response by 1SG Kevin Henderson made Jul 18 at 2016 10:57 PM

1SG Kevin Henderson — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:57:56 -0400

The command does not care about you, they care about making their mission. Get a divorce, tell your kids you will see them in 3 years and start taking anger management classes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 11:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 23:37:27 -0400

It really will depend on your leadership, your mission and where you are recruiting at. Some people hate it no matter what. Ive been doin it for about 6 months now. Sometimes it sucks other times it doesnt. Worst case scenario you do it for 3 yrs if you hate it, you can just go back to the line. I miss the line dearly some times. But freaquently find myself contemplating sticking with it.

Response by SFC Bruce Scott made Jul 18 at 2016 11:49 PM

SFC Bruce Scott — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 23:49:34 -0400

Tough job, far away from the "flag pole" support system. Most recruiter are detailed, not volunteers. USAR recruiters have bigger pool to draw from and have a different experiance

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 12:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 00:01:13 -0400

To add to my previous, I generally go to work at 0900 and get off at 1700. If your center leader has balls it certaily works out in your favor. The worst part is trying to convince a bunch of jackoff teenagers that they will fail their first year at the local community college trying to get a degree in sports therapy. The upside, plenty of TDY at a hotel bar getting shit faced. Bonus!!!

Response by PFC David Miller made Jul 19 at 2016 1:27 AM

PFC David Miller — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 01:27:25 -0400

SSG C-

Never served in USAREC myself, but I remember what my recruiters went through. I would highly recommend avoiding the Madison, WI area. Very liberal, very anti-military. They had a very hard time making mission. Best of luck to you if you do pursue it.

Response by SSG Robbie McBride made Jul 19 at 2016 1:51 AM

SSG Robbie McBride — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 01:51:36 -0400

Amen! I was the top Recruiter of Battalion one month, worst the following month! At a Boy to Oh shit! Hated recruiting under Clinton, but I must say, gave me another skill set that has kept me employed the past 20 years. Soldier to salesman. Jumping out of planes and flying in Helicopters to a desk was the hardest transition I ever made. Adapt improvise over come. Put em in boots! Thank all you guys who make it happen!

Response by SSG Ray Petersen made Jul 19 at 2016 2:24 AM

SSG Ray Petersen — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 02:24:45 -0400

Having talked to several of my past NCO's who were Recruiters, I have learned that honesty is the best policy. I had one SSG who didn't get his gold badge and when asked about it, he would respond with "fuck that, I hated it and I was honest and upfront with the people I was recruiting"... just like anything else in life, honesty is the best policy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 4:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:48:50 -0400

I was a Recruiter in LA and loved it. Recruiting came natural to me and I generally made half the mission for my station every month, so I was one of the guy's that had freedom to do what he wanted and wasn't getting beat down by my Command. I should have never left, as I came back to this "new Army" and it was like a slap in the face for an old Tanker.

Response by SFC Patrick Arrigo made Jul 19 at 2016 7:08 AM

SFC Patrick Arrigo — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 07:08:50 -0400

Long hours and you will be asked what have you done fro me lately

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Jul 19 at 2016 8:17 AM

SFC Terry Murphy — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:17:39 -0400

As a team leader or Squad Leader, I could tell a you person what to do, and it would either get done, or the young soldier would get smoked! I found quickly on recruiting duty that you can't tell an 18 year old civilian what to do, you are at there mercy. If the want to meet with you, and finally join the Army, you can suggest times and dates, but you are on there schedule.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 8:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:50:06 -0400

Usarec can be a very challenging environment. It can also be very rewarding. Usarec is a fantastic opportunity to develop effective communication skills that any leader can take back to the line. The same variables that appy to mission command exist on the line as well as in usarec. I lucked out and worked with a great crew. Sometimes while under the strain of the mission, recruiters forget some of the perks to recruiting.

Response by SGT Leland Williams made Jul 19 at 2016 9:13 AM

SGT Leland Williams — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:13:25 -0400

I was 22 and only had only been in for about a year. I was a SP4 in Armor (19E). I was sent to a recruiting station for TDY. While I was there, they found that I had an aptitude for the job so they sent me to PLDC then on to BNOC and was reassigned to a recurring station the day I graduated. Of course that was an E7 position and I am an E4 with only 2 years and I was not married. This made me the lowest paid recruiter in the Army! I was sent to recruiter school. At the time it was in Ft Harrison IN. (Now closed near Indianapolis). I was a SP4 in class about 60 with mostly SSGs and SFCs and a few SGTs. They tried to promote me to SGT but they had just put a ban on retroactive promotions so I stayed a SP4. After graduation, my MOS was 00E. But I had to become MOSQ before I could be promoted to SGT. This meant I had to hit my quota for 3 straight months. I finally made it. But I was never a very good recruiter. I talked as many kids out of joining as I talked into it. I always told the truth. I never had anyone come back looking to clean my plow. It's all in the way you sell it. Tell them all the good stuff and let them convince their self that this is the best thing since sliced bread, then hit then with the bad. After they have already made up their mind, they will not talk their way out of it. After 2 years, my enlistment was up and I got out. I had got married and recruiting leaves no time for a family life. I should have went back to the Cav. After I got out I started selling insurance. I have been doing that for 30 years now, but regret not going back to what I love, tanks.

Response by PO1 Matthew Meyer made Jul 19 at 2016 9:36 AM

PO1 Matthew Meyer — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:36:03 -0400

While on Christmas vacation with my family I was told to go get an applicant enlisted into the Navy Reserves. The problem was that we were an hour west of Waco, Tx and the applicant was on vacation with his family in Alexandria,La. I drove all night and day to get him enlisted only to find out that the recruiting district had made 200% of goal for the month. But we really needed to get this guy in.

Response by CW3 Steven Prestridge made Jul 19 at 2016 10:08 AM

CW3 Steven Prestridge — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:08:37 -0400

Recruiting success depends entirely on your base personality. All of the training is great, but if you don't have an extroverted personality you are in trouble. I did it, before becoming a warrant officer. I heard the horror stories, and yes, you go from Hero to Zero month to month. That said, I'm naturally extroverted.
I hated making phone calls, so almost all of my contracts came from face to face. I would buy gum at every single convenience store around just to talk to the clerks. On my first day on the job, they were busy in the office, so they told me to drive around the area and get familiar with it. I found a young lady, HS diploma, who had hit hard times. I talked to her for about two hours, and she decided to enlist. I drove back to the station, and asked them what I needed to do. I had all of her information, but I wasn't on mission so they gave her to another recruiter, and she was on the floor that week.
Always try to set yourself up for the next month. Keep at least one solid contract off the books. Sure, there will be times you will need to give up an extra to help the station, but don't let that become a habit.
Never let a waiver walk. A lot of people need medical, or moral waivers. A lot of recruiters don't want to bother. Don't do that. In February or March of 1999 the army got desperate and processed all of my waivers at one time. Contracts that had been waiting for 6-8 months were suddenly approved. I ended up writing 12 or 13 Grad Alpha contracts that month. My points were through the roof. I ended up Recruiter of the Year for my company & BN, and Recruiter of the Quarter for the BDE.
Don't ever break the law, but know exactly how far you can go. We had a kid with mild Downs Syndrome in a town up north. He really wanted to join the Army. He graduated through a special ed program at the local HS, so he technically had a HS Diploma. He took the ASVAB and scored 22, which is a CAT 4. Took a physical, amazingly passed, and waited. The recruiter told him he would need to be ready to go if a slot opened up. In the interim, he became homeless, and was sleeping in his car. He had free dental work done, and the dentist had pulled all his teeth. The requirement is to have at least two teeth, one top, one bottom. The army opened up CAT 4's, so we called him that night. The recruiter drove up, realized he didn't have his teeth. So, the recruiter bought some of those Redneck gag teeth at a store, and some polydent. He routed out a little room to fit them in his mouth. Put them in and fastened them securely. He explained not to remove them. The kid passed the inspection and shipped off to be a Laundry & Bath Specialist. I'm pretty sure he didn't make it through basic training, but who knows.
The point is, you can crap your pants, and be miserable about the assignment, or you can be positive and have fun with it. It isn't all bad. You'll become close to the kids you put in. I'm still Facebook friends with some of them. Never lie to them, and they will recruit for you. You will win cool prizes. I won family vacations, NASCAR driving experience, tickets to Broadway shows, and other cool crap.
Good luck and don't puss out.

Response by SGT Rick Eul made Jul 19 at 2016 10:22 AM

SGT Rick Eul — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:22:35 -0400

Let me start with I've never been a recruiter. I have heard the horror stories of meeting goals and the pressure to sign up more and more recruits.
You are selling one of the hardest products out there, the persons future. Everything that happens to them after they raise their right hand is both your fault as well as your responsibility.
If they end up being a zero, your fault. If the become a hero and earn the MOH, it was your intuition to get them to sign up. You will never be thanked or rewarded for what you have done, only criticized if you fail to "meet the numbers".
If you long to be a salesman, this is a great opportunity to learn the art of sales. After this the eskimo's will buy ice from you.
Before applying take a good look at yourself, can you sell? Do you have a story? That's what's needed to make it in this or any other sales profession.
These kids coming in in most cases have no clue what they are looking for, they simply want out of where they are.
I for one want to thank my recruiter, he took a stupid 18 year old and helped change his life. I soon learned how big the world really is. Five of the best years of my life.

Response by MAJ Daniel Hammond made Jul 19 at 2016 10:23 AM

MAJ Daniel Hammond — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:23:46 -0400

It takes a certain, undefinable 'something' to be a successful recruiter. Bottom line is that recruiting is sales. Are you good at sales?
As a Recruiting Company commander I knew some very exceptional recruiters, including many that converted to 79R and make it a career. I have a special place in my heart for those guys.
I also had some recruiters who couldn't recruit Audie Murphy on D-Day.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:07 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:07:35 -0400

I will advise you to look at it from a different angle. There are a variety of jobs in the Army that are demanding and very challenging and Recruiting is one of those jobs. You should look at it in the lens of what will I learn from this assignment? How can this assignment affect my career? Is this the right time to take an assignment such as this one? If you look at recruiting in that manner when the tough times hit you will know why you did it. I spent 4 years out there putting people in the Army and it was one of the most rewarding assignment I had. I learned more about myself as a leader and what it takes to lead Soldiers there. It was a very humbling experience and I for one would recommend anyone to take an assignment like this.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:13:50 -0400

Long days and little vacation time. If you are married have a long discussion with the family and make sure they understand. It gives you a longer dwell time between deployments but I always told my recruiters that it requires you to become a time management expert. A great mentorship opportunity as well. Good luck.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:14 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:14:06 -0400

Find a good National Guard recruiting slot and recruit close to your home area. It is AGR for three years, and you can go back to active duty when your contract is completed....or you can renew for another three years and stay on AGR status. The only caveat is that your active duty commander will have to allow your release, or you can simply ETS and enlist into the guard. Either way, it takes a special mindset to endure the grind, and it really does matter what support you have at the command level. In my opinion, the Army (and all military) should focus more on retention of quality troops, rather than purging to reduce numbers and save money, only to replace those reductions with kids who may not want the upward mobility, anyway...or who aren't yet ready to fill those roles. It can be cut-throat, but it also offers flexibility in the workplace. The choice is yours....it's not a job for everyone. You must be emotionally strong and have a lot of intestinal fortitude to withstand that gauntlet. Good luck, and we hope you make the right choice for yourself and for the Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:44:16 -0400

Don't do it

Response by PO1 Bobby Powell made Jul 19 at 2016 11:47 AM

PO1 Bobby Powell — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:47:35 -0400

It was absolutely the worst tour of my 21 years in the Navy. I was begging to go back to a nice vacation spot like Mogadishu. Until that tour, I had always worked within a team, people I could ALWAYS count on to have my back no matter what. In recruiting, I had no friend in the office or the surrounding stations. Recruiting ruins many good Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. I would never recommend sending a good troop there. Luckily for me, I got off on good behavior when Saddam reared his ugly head the last time and the fleet needed my services more than recruiting did. Thank God for war and terrorist so that we have someplace safe to go to...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:58:36 -0400

There is good and bad. More bad. You could be the best at your job in the "real" Army, but once you hit USAREC you are just another body, expected to do a job that you will be inadequately trained for. I am speaking as a guy that converted (God why did I do that), top of my class in recruiting school, SCC, and SLC. My teams were successful, and eventually as a Center Commander I had success. But it takes a certain breed of NCO to continue that success in recruiting. That NCO is a blend of ass-kissing, lying, dedication, and an uncanny ability to constantly demand water out of rocks. Don't get me wrong, it's not all negative. The brake from deployments was welcome. Living away from a mil installation was nice for a change, although that got old quick. The autonomous nature of it was appealing. My biggest gripe was that once I realized that my performance at my job was predicated on relating falsehoods, conniving, missing my kids lives, and most importantly, constantly having to please command at the detriment of my Soldiers, I went back to being the NCO I was previously before selling my soul to USAREC. I placed the mission first, but I refused to lie, or let my soldiers lie. I refused to do shady shit to make mission. I told it like it was during my quarterly mission briefs, and refused to make excuses. You know what happened? Even though morale was at an all time high, my Center failed to make quota, again and again. But I could look my Soldiers in the eyes and see pride in their work. I could look at the recruits we were bringing in, and actually say that I would sit in the proverbial foxhole with them. Recruiting is "danger close" call in that fire mission at your own risk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 12:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:10:36 -0400

Currently a Center Leader on Long Island, NY been a recruiter in Mass & FL. Contact me for more info [login to see] .

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 12:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:22:47 -0400

It is simultaneously the hardest and best thing I have ever done.

Some words of advice:
1. It will always be your fault
2. The clock resets every first day of the month. You could have put in 20 kids and they'll say, put in 25.
3. Don't have sex with DEPers.
4. Don't have sex with their friends or their parents.
5. Don't lie. Perpetuation is the key to success. You become the recruiter who lies, you won't get follow up business.
6. If you are married--it needs to be understood you will get phone calls at 10pm, 3am, every day. Even on Christmas. On Thanksgiving Day people will want to come in for an appointment. there is no real "time off". The phone, your laptop, will come with you on vacation.
7. Don't be the recruiter who doesn't work well with others. If you reach out to other branches and help them out, they will return the favor. You become the scum who lies about other branches, no one will trust you and want to help you out.
8. Don't have inappropriate relations in your office or in your government vehicle.
9. Don't have sex with DEPers.
10. Remember it isn't about you. It's about them. Do right by the "kids" and they will do right by you.

Response by SFC John Cannon made Jul 19 at 2016 2:07 PM

SFC John Cannon — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:07:09 -0400

Worst job I ever did in the Army! Would never do it again. Iraq tours were better. Recruiting has the worst leaders in the Army.

Response by SSG Michael Emery made Jul 19 at 2016 2:42 PM

SSG Michael Emery — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:42:41 -0400

RUN the other way!! Be a Drill instructor!

Response by SFC Bob Chapman DEng made Jul 19 at 2016 2:45 PM

SFC Bob Chapman DEng — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:45:34 -0400

It's been awhile.. it's not an easy life, but as somebody else said, you do get to go home every night, but you probably won't see your kids much. Some days begin at 4 AM picking up kids to take to MEPS.. drop them off to meet the 7 AM check in then back to the office (which could be hours away) .. phone calls, cold calls.. school visits.. Pick up your new DEPOSIT if he beat the odds and didn't get disqualified. Take him home, chat with his parents, back to the office to make those 2 or 3 appointments you need for the day still.

If you are in a tough area expect long hours EVERYday.

Expect to drive long distances for zero roller training.. and know your career is at risk EVERY single day. Miscount your call log... don't update your school lists correctly.. they will show you no mercy, and they could care less how great a soldier you were or how great an infantryman you are... you don't produce you'll hear your career and your livelihood threatened everyday..

If I had to do it over again I think I would just ETS and start a new career. Living remotely with no support and the hours put in, more beneficial to start your civilian career and education. You can work full time and go to school full time and put in less hours

Response by SFC Homero Tamez made Jul 19 at 2016 3:31 PM

SFC Homero Tamez — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:31:52 -0400

No loyalty.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jul 19 at 2016 3:47 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:47:54 -0400

A direct quote from the Recruiter Instructor (E8 career recruiter) in charge of my area to the NCOICs of the local offices..."Canvassing recruiters (the ones assigned temporarily, 3 years in USMC) are commodities. Use them up and spit them out. If they leave with their sanity and marriages intact, you haven't done your job. You must drive them with reckless abandon." This was in front of the CO and SGTMAJ.
Other than that and the 25 lbs gained from sitting in car/desk, I never would have picked up GYSGT without getting the check in the box.

Response by SFC John Webster made Jul 19 at 2016 4:12 PM

SFC John Webster — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:12:34 -0400

Not sure how it is now, but I did my time from 2002 to 2005. I had a good 1SG at the beginning but it was still a rough time in my career. Even when you were doing good, the pressure was still on you. Didn't matter if you were on leave or in school, it totally consumed my life.

Response by SGT James Belcher made Jul 19 at 2016 4:16 PM

SGT James Belcher — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:16:46 -0400

I was never a recruiter...but I served with many and never did I hear one say it was worth it...I've heard many say going drill was tough, but worth it. I'd volunteer to go Drill if I had the choice to make, before someone makes it for you. Just one grunt's humble opinion.

Response by Cpl Dan A. made Jul 19 at 2016 4:20 PM

Cpl Dan A. — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:20:27 -0400

You could just shove a glass tube up your peehole and then smash your junk with a hammer and you will get a similar feeling.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 4:32 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:32:42 -0400

Have you been evaluated by Behavioral Health?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 4:34 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:34:37 -0400

Your day is spent making phone calls, shaking hands in your community, holding appointments. Everything you do is a race against time to try and get that next applicant enlisted. While you will hear bad things about recruiting, there are good things. Great networking opportunity, gives you sales credibility if you want to pursue that in the future, you choose the future of your service, you're more independent in your day to day operations because it's all about results, develop better interpersonal and leadership skills. Hs kids don't care what rank you are, how long you've been in, where or what you've done. That being said you have to inspire others to want to serve in your uniform, it's challenging but makes you better. At the end if you do it right you'll feel proud that you truly helped those young people achieve success and your service be a better place with good people.

Response by SFC Joseph Henderson made Jul 19 at 2016 4:45 PM

SFC Joseph Henderson — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:45:09 -0400

I was a recruiter from 98-01; 12-14 hour days Mon-Fri & 9-5 on Sat. You're recruiting even when you're off. But today's recruiting is way better now.

Response by SFC James Johnson made Jul 19 at 2016 4:58 PM

SFC James Johnson — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:58:31 -0400

there's two jobs that mirror a recruiter... a car salesman and a prostitute, and the only reward for a job well done is lack of punishment

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 5:08 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 17:08:47 -0400

I was a young SGT in Brooklyn when I got there in 2002.
I started to learn from The Old Heads who were the top producers in 2002... and then the war started. All of the sudden none of the techniques worked anymore and to make matters worse, most of the older guys were PCS'ing out. I have never been cussed at and ridiculed so much in my life. I've heard people at all levels cuss me out and tell me that I'm not worth my paycheck, that I'm a POS sorry Soldier (getting yelled at by a CSM in Class B's and he has four ribbons) and then have those same people say, "great job!!! You're the savior of the battalion!" the next day. At that time COB was at 2300 and we were supposed to keep making calls after 2100, which we refused to do.

First thing I will say is that you become like the people you hang around. Do you want to be an honest successful recruiter? Stay with other honest successful recruiters. If you don't have any other honest successful recruiters, go it alone. Be friendly with all of them (you need their help too) but not too friendly. Don't just have them do the wrong thing for you. You're still being dishonest.

'There were many good recruiters, as in good people, but there were many who were pressured into doing the wrong thing and that became easier for them.
Many recruiters were hunting after bodies and not quality. It is a lot easier to get people who have a bad history to want to join. Getting good enlistees (I mean by good people, not just Grad Alphas) requires developing a reputation and a methodical approach, which may mean a couple of goose eggs. (OMG!!!) If you have never rolled a donut, always been honest and have always had good quality, then kudos. Teach others how to do the same.
If you do work on getting quality people to become Soldiers then you will have less people drop and you can be proud of who you put in (making your rest at night a little easier) and you develop a good reputation which eventually makes your recruiting easier as you will get referrals.

Lastly sell the Army and fight objections with knowledge that back emotional appeals.
What's important to that person deep down? Do the right thing. If you've been doing the wrong thing, start over and do it right.

Good luck

Response by 1SG Peter Hansen made Jul 19 at 2016 5:46 PM

1SG Peter Hansen — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 17:46:36 -0400

I was on recruiting duty from 1990 to 1993 I walked into recruiting duty a 11B with master pairchute wings Ranger tab drill sgt air assult badge super ncoers I worked in Smithfield north Carolina and I still have my paper proving my mission 6 a month enlistments a month yea that's 72 a year for 3 years after recruiting I was never got promotated again I had 10 years as a E-7 with 3 years in recruiting I had 13 years E-7

Response by PFC Janice Mayer made Jul 19 at 2016 6:04 PM

PFC Janice Mayer — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:04:17 -0400

no no no. think of the worst decision you ever made. now multiply it by 10. that would be recruiting. unless its changed since 95-98, and based on the comments, it basically hasn't.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 7:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:25:17 -0400

People who hate recruiting have never realized a key rule in the Army. Your experience at any duty station depends only how you look at it good or bad. Saying that recruiting was hard but it was fun you are the first NCO any recruit you put in sees. First rule of recruiting is you recruit in your image. I spent three years in recruiting and for the first year I went home later than I was used to about 7:00pm but after the first year it was nine to five unless you had to go to MEPS. It is hard but can be one of the most rewarding things you do it will be up to you

Response by SFC Roberto Garza Jr. made Jul 19 at 2016 7:25 PM

SFC Roberto Garza Jr. — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:25:56 -0400

I was DA Select three times for recruiting never did it, glad your doing your research prior to making that decision, good luck to you.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Jul 19 at 2016 7:45 PM

SSG Ronald Rollins — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:45:29 -0400

I worked in a recruiting BN S1 in Albany NY. They wanted me to be a recruiter. They promised good promotions, home every night, pro-pay, all that. I seen how they were treated. No one has your back in the command. 1SGs popped positive on drug test. I was the UA person. I know. Half the recruiters lying on the pay. They living in government housing still collecting BAH. I caught 53 of them doing this when I scrubbed the UCFR. And the company 1SGs and commanders got a copy every month and were suppose to ego over it. They just put their stamp on it. On recruiter collected over $73,000 in BAH living in quarters. I did the paperwork and when the CSM and BN CDR asked what was my rec I said they need to pay it back and have UCMJ action. I was an E5 at the time. I have never gotten so many threats as that day. Calls from commander and 1SGs asking why I am going over the UCFR. It was my job as finance clerk. They told me it was their job not mine. The paper they put their names on was good. The soldiers needed that money I was told and i was a rat and a thief for taking it away from them.
They threatened my career, my well being, everything they could think of. The BN CDR called all 1SGs and commanders in on a sat for a meeting because of this. Every one but the ones who just took over got a LOR and half of the 1SGs were relieved. 2 were retired. I have many more stories about recruiting. One recruiter got court martialed and it was wrong but the command of his did not have his back. AGAIN. I would never do recruiting. I am since retired. Thank goodness.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 8:00 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 20:00:51 -0400

36 month tour, every month is reset (zero to hero), you're never truly off, your tracked everywhere (gov has tattler system, cell phone tracking, electronic logs for canvassing).. You got MEPS drives which is for contracting or shipping. Say goodbye to 96 and 72 hour libo. If you have a family, you'll barely see them. If you do see them, they're most likely asleep. That's most of the negatives... Positives.. Not much.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 9:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 21:16:51 -0400

I love it, but then again I give 110% everyday. You have to be all in, and yes if you fail in production (mission), it will bring all kinds of extra attention to you, your center, and your command. However, the skills you learn will immensely help you be a better NCO. If you get to a crappy unit that is willing to ignore fraud, then those leaders are worthless and ensure you stay low, get it in writing (for the subsequent investigation), and stay true.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 10:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 22:08:31 -0400

Depends a lot where you end up or what BDE you go to. I was in the north and it was hard to recruit, so life wasn't that great. BUT I had a good buddy down south who had a great experience, even met his current wife. Individual experiences may vary. It's a great assignment to boost the career, just don't f*ck up.

Response by LCDR William Breyfogle made Jul 19 at 2016 10:44 PM

LCDR William Breyfogle — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 22:44:35 -0400

Longest hours I ever worked for the least reward

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 10:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 22:51:12 -0400

fuck no, I am retired

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 23:00:31 -0400

I've been in USAREC for three weeks, already have two contracts and two more flooring next week and I'm already under preforming. Our station is only on board for 3 active and 1 reserves a month, there is your answer for how cutthroat this is.

Response by SFC Kenneth Shell made Jul 19 at 2016 11:14 PM

SFC Kenneth Shell — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 23:14:31 -0400

Most of these comments are correct! I was DA selected for recruiting back in 02. I served three and a half years and would of enjoyed it except my command basically stayed on your back! I earned my gold ring in fifteen months and was made a station commander! It got tougher from there and my command decided that I was not fit to be a recruiter because I would not do things there way! I told them that if they would let me and my recruiters do our jobs instead of all the other bs we would be successful! I left recruiting and moved on to bigger and better jobs! I volunteered to be a National Guard Recruiter in Virginia and became one of the most successful recruiters in the state for four years! Difference was the command and the mission structure! Recruiting for the Virginia Army National Guard was awesome! Oh my Army Recruiting command, three months after I left the BN and CO were caught in an ASVAB scam and there careers all went south! My advise is like a lot of the others! Don't lie and do the best you can! You recruit who you are!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 23:32:48 -0400

Here's the honest truth from a RECRUITER (Currently).
If you are making the daily, weekly and monthly requirements recruiting isn't that bad. If your station or company isn't making mission then life can be miserable or hell as others have put it. Let me explain in detail what i'm talking about.

Here's a standard snap shot(example) of what your calendar for the day looks like. This is based off the time of year. During the school year it would be different because of school visits, career fair and other things.
0530-0730 Physical Training
0730-0830 Hygiene
0900-1000 IPR
100-1100 P1 GR(phone calls to Grads)
1100-1200 P1 SR(phone calls to seniors)
1230-1400 Conducting Initial appointment with Doe, John.
1400-1600 F2F (Face to Face Prospecting) If you don't make your required appointments for the day by this time (which could be 2,3 or 4 per recruiter depending on your stations MAP requirements) then 1600-1800 More P1 to try and make up your appointments, Which your Center Leader will cover in the morning during IPR. Things will consistently change based off how successful you are being at the type of prospecting. If calls are working they may tell you to go F2F/Hot Knock Seniors that you called or Juniors. If F2F isn't working they may tell you to come back to the office and make phone calls. Now in your calendar you will have time allotted for conducting appointments, building packets, personal development and conducting Future Soldier Training to name a few. Of course if you have to run COURT CHECKS, POLICE CHECKS,BIRTH CERTIFICATE RUNS, DROP TESTERS OFF or Pick up your SOLDIER THAT ENLISTED, you notate this in your AAR at the end of the day. This is MONDAY-THURSDAY and Friday is usually an Admin day which consist of updating appointments or conducting them and update Future Soldiers. Sometimes you will work past 1900 to accommodate a Senior or Junior to meet with mom and dad because they work late or come in on a SATURDAY. You will Building your calendar for the next week plus a skeleton for the following week. RECRUITING is a THREE HEADED MONSTER. If asked to come out again I wouldn't do it, even though I've enlisted for Three more years out here for stability for my family. Working on my degree so I can be more competitive for WO and my career outside the military. If you are a successful recruiter, your leadership will beat up on you to produce more. If you give them ONE Contract, they want TWO and so forth. Your station may be asked by your CO CDR/1SG to provide an extra RA or AR contract for the month so the company makes mission. I've seen RECRUITING break. I mean REALLY GOOD SOLDIERS and they GET OUT. When you come out here your PAY is SCREWED UP for at least TWO Months if not more for AC Recruiters. AGR Recruiters have to go through different channels to get things fixed because OUR BN can't UPDATE or FIX some issue because we aren't ACTIVE ARMY. If you want to know more details or just some general question you can reach me at [login to see] GOV Cell.

LAST I WOULD SAY LOOK AT WHAT (SSG Nicholas Sodano) SAID. HE Explained things to a T.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 11:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 23:55:09 -0400

Don't do it! If you enjoy being an NCO, a Soldier, or the Army in general stay away! Recruiting is a very important job with a very important mission, but it is literally like playing roulette as many leaders I have come across do not care in slightest about any of those things. I have been in USAREC for over 5 years the command that common sense has somehow evaded. There are an abundance of NCOs, using this term loosely that act like greasy used car salesmen and care about nothing but their own reputation and career! This is the only job where you can enter as an E-4 and get promoted all the way to E-9 without being able to make an extended rectangular formation. Enter at your own risk integrity is not required beyond this point!

Response by SFC Jim Case made Jul 20 at 2016 12:31 AM

SFC Jim Case — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 00:31:15 -0400

Spent 4 years as a recruiter "back in the day." Was a field recruiter, small station commander, large station commander and staff. This was back during the "witch hunts" when a General Officer and several CSM's were fired for malpractice. It's the only job in the army where one less than max NCOER will trash your career. My advice, don't do it.

Response by SFC James Hoag made Jul 20 at 2016 12:36 AM

SFC James Hoag — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 00:36:21 -0400

I was a recruiter from 1981 to 1985. It was the WORST assignment I ever had in my Army career. I was in a great area (Appalachian Mtns of North Carolina) and the folks were very nice people. But the leadership was always, always, always pressing for more recruits. Harping constantly to get your numbers up. Going on leave? Forget it. Not 2 hours into a vacay and the phone is ringing telling you to get to the office your leave has been cancelled. 4 years and zero vacation. Constant threats about not making mission. I can't imagine it's any better today with all the crap going on in the country. If you can get out of it do so. You won't regret not doing it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 1:05 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:05:30 -0400

Ok so most of these guys are talking enlisted recruiting. Because I'm in a medical MOS, I got automatically selected to do AMEDD recruiting. So far it's been good to me. It is stressful at times because not only do you have to find people that are qualified, you find to make sure that they hold all the proper licensing to be commissioned as a doc, dentist, nurse, etc.

From what I've read from these other guys, AMEDD recruiting isn't as stressful. Our mission is 2 per year, if you bring in more, great. But if you can't even get one, you best believe you're going to be in a world of hurt. The 79R that have come to my center have been trying to catch up. It's easier if you have a medical background, but none the less, it's not hard to study up and know your shit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 1:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:25:11 -0400

It's what you make of it. Not a bad gig

Response by SGT Sean Burke made Jul 20 at 2016 1:28 AM

SGT Sean Burke — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:28:34 -0400

If you can get a "poor" area of the country, with few local jobs, then it will fly by, but otherwise, "Pull the reserve, and hope for the best"

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 1:49 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:49:39 -0400

Recruiting can be a double edged sword. Hours are very crazy but it's what you make of it.

Response by SSG Fred Campbell made Jul 20 at 2016 1:53 AM

SSG Fred Campbell — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:53:54 -0400

Don't do it

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 4:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 04:45:19 -0400

I was DA selected and was on the bag from 08-11 I was in the Southern US so making mission was easy I think I'm one of the few who enjoyed my time bc I had a station commander who was a professional NCO and wouldn't tolerate the just make mission mindset. The hours can be long and the recruits and parents and other family members will drive you crazy but it's a rewarding feeling to see them come back from all their training or sometimes a year down the road and meet a Soldier. My only advice is if you are under the age of 30 and single DO NOT GO TROUBLE IS BEHIND EVERY CORNER!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 5:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 05:03:55 -0400

Recruiting can behraven and hell at the same time. Perks is that I got to watch every sporting event in me area, talk and have fun on the radio for months, network and meet some amazing people. But and that same note realize that you don't mean s@#$. Who you were in the Army don't mean S@#$. You can be super sniper, lone survivor, and Chuck Norris rolled into one and if you don't give the beast it's monthly contracts it will make your life a living hell.

Response by SCPO Stephen Ibanez made Jul 20 at 2016 5:43 AM

SCPO Stephen Ibanez — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 05:43:00 -0400

Run in the opposite direction as far and as fast as you can! Unless you're a natural used-car salesman (and proud of it), your life will suck. It was absolutely the worst 36 months of my 26 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 6:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 06:01:49 -0400

I'm currently on recruiting duty. I personally hate it. SSG Nicholas Sodano's description is accurate. The only thing I would add is that, depending on your MOS, it could be a career killer. It's three years where you have nothing to do with being a leader.

Response by 1SG R C made Jul 20 at 2016 6:03 AM

1SG R C — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 06:03:11 -0400

Do not do it. I was actuality given a voice between Recruiting and Drill Sergeant. DS time was long hours yet one of most rewarding assignments.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 20 at 2016 7:28 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 07:28:02 -0400

The worst part of it for me was that holding the title of "recruiter" automatically puts you in a different light than everyone else wearing a uniform. You are not always liked or respected by civilians and your fellow Soldiers alike. The word "recruiter" comes with a stigma that is as old as the military itself. Probably one of the most stereotyped professions there is. As much as you think the civilian world loves the military, you will not get that reception when you are a recruiter. Some places are not so bad, other places you might as well be a leper. You learn to put that out of your mind and drive on, but it never stops bothering you that you have this stigma and label attached to you with that recruiter badge.

Response by 1SG Brian Duke made Jul 20 at 2016 7:40 AM

1SG Brian Duke — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 07:40:40 -0400

20 yrs later after USAREC, and I still have dreams about it. I've got more PTSD from recruiting than what I do from OIF I/II in Ramadi.

Response by GySgt Stanton Wilson made Jul 20 at 2016 9:40 AM

GySgt Stanton Wilson — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 09:40:51 -0400

I was a Marine recruiter from 91-94 and 96-00, you'll have your good days and some days a tour in Iraq didn't seem so bad. Keep your head up, hand out your business cards to everyone, and dig in for the fight. Recruiter's duty will definitely show those that have the intestinal fortitude to survive.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 12:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 12:40:43 -0400

Best time of my career this far. All these comments are very bias. It truely depends on the "team" you have, the location and how willing your CoC is to take your side when things don't come to fruition. I extended another year (4 years) to continue my tour and got promoted to E7 and moved on to Fort Polk, LA. (Recruiting was definitively better). 14 years of service and been to fort polk twice, leonard wood, korea, fort stewart, fort riley. It was the most stabilizing assignment for my family of 7. I would just say to be careful where you choose and make the best of it as I did.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 12:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 12:43:30 -0400

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jul 20 at 2016 2:24 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 14:24:15 -0400

Has to be better than being a civilian.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jul 20 at 2016 2:25 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 14:25:52 -0400

Has to be better than being a civilian.

Response by SFC Keith Bennett made Jul 20 at 2016 4:29 PM

SFC Keith Bennett — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 16:29:29 -0400

I was an Army Recruiter and Station Commander! I did not volunteer for recruiting! I was formally in a Combat MOS and happy! I did the job but because I did so well my MOS was changed to 00R which is recruiting! I was suppose to take over as a first Sergeant but I did the job because I wanted to go back to combat arms as a first Sergeant! When I was told I could not return I decided to get out of the Military! I did not like recruiting! I did it to receive a higher rank! This is a very hard and stressful job! It truly isn't for everyone. You don't make your numbers and your career could be destroyed! This is my opinion!

Response by CPT John Gilmore made Jul 20 at 2016 5:43 PM

CPT John Gilmore — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 17:43:33 -0400

Become an AMEDD Recruiter.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 6:57 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 18:57:22 -0400

Probably the only sales job built around punishing failure instead of rewarding success

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 7:20 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:20:42 -0400

Worst environment I have experienced. Imagine a lot of used shady cars salesman with military authority who will do anything legal or illegal to meet their quota. That's who you will be working for. Most of the NCO's have lost touch with being a leader.
Monday - Friday 0800-2100 Saturday 0800-1800 followed by low producer training at a location 2-3 hours a way. Sunday's are yours!!
I've seen people who couldn't put in a contract for 8 months straight all of sudden meet or exceed quota. The same individual was investigated for fraud which revealed stacks of blank job Corp diplomas. Individual still remains golden child, but is now the low producer trainer. Station commanders will encourage you to break laws.
Several recruiters were caught on camera blatantly lying to applicants or agreeing to hide charges while our BN CDR was on tape saying there was no intense pressure on recruiters. The same BN CDR who came into our office and told all of us he was "the enemy at the gates with a knife at are throats" if we continued to not make numbers. If you're looking for a broadening assignment, there's more out there.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 8:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 20:36:50 -0400

Best/worst 3 years of my life. It's a very stressful duty and it's so true that you can go from hero to zero in a month. The first year was smiling and dialing and the second and third I was killing it. I came to work at 0900 and left by 1600. My station won station of the year and I was meritoriously promoted so it wasn't all bad.

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made Jul 21 at 2016 1:06 AM

1SG Jeremy Evans — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:06:41 -0400

SSG Charlton, with a question like this you're going to get the recruiting haters and the fans. I cant speak for how it is currently, but I can share a few things that I learned as a detail recruiter in Cleveland Metro Company from 2005-2009. Sure, I hated it at first. I could have played the victim card and got all pouty faced when the command treated the detail guys like garbage, but I used it as motivation. Its not an easy job, and just like anywhere else you've been in the army you'll have stress. If you don't handle adversity well then Id consider something else. Production is power. Meaning if you're on point with your monthly mission then you generally won't have a station commander digging in your ass about petty stuff. If you don't put in the hustle and come up short, be prepared to explain your efforts in great and painful detail. Keep your integrity, it will be tested. Once you own it and find your groove, it can be rewarding. Finally, it will make any assignment afterwards seem like a paid vacation.

Response by SFC Jim Hunter made Jul 21 at 2016 1:06 AM

SFC Jim Hunter — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:06:59 -0400

Many of the comments below I agree with. The best part for me was dealing with the "kids". The worst part was my command. The hero to zero mentality. I recruited in Wyoming, 1985 to 1988. Most of the recruits joined out of patriotism and for college money as a secondary benefit.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2016 2:09 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 02:09:23 -0400

I am pcsing on Tuesday out of recruiting. All the comments here seem to be on par for what is going on.

Background: I placed second in my office in contracts written for this fiscal year, won brigade physical competition for the year. Selected to go to usarec level audie murphy (4 from my whole brigade) and was just threatened to get a letter of reprimand for not making 2 appointments this week, mind you I'm on orders.

There may be some good places, but they are certainly not in central California battalion. I would seriously consider another special duty assigbment. There is NOTHING to gain and so much to lose out here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2016 7:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 07:03:40 -0400

Imagine your riding a bike. The bike is on fire. Your on fire. Everything is on fire. Life is hell. Actually the recruiting part and the soldiers you put in are awesome. You have to realize it is about them and not you. I found the toughest part at first was not being able to get upset when recruits do dumb things cause they do not know like soldiers that have gone to training.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 21 at 2016 11:12 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 11:12:13 -0400

Started my DA Select duty in Oct '95 shortly before or right after the Success 2000 initiative was put into place, I recruited out of the Hollywood FL RS, Ft. Lauderdale CO, Miami BN. Location was great, duty sucked the proverbial Green Weenie. I have always equated it to 36 consecutive NTC rotations for me. It was pretty much determined during my TT&E(probationary period) by everyone from myself to the CO CDR that I was not going to be a successful recruiter by USAREC standards. I was a Caucasian male in an area that was probably 80% minority and I was not bilingual which didn't help either, with both of my high schools (1 public, 1 private) being less than ideal recruiting grounds. I learned within that first 8-months out there that the entirety of the command, from CO to USAREC, didn't care about the individual NCOs they relied upon to make it's missions. I should have been sent back to the "real" Army or at least possibly moved to our Jupiter CO where the demographics would have been more conducive to me personally, especially when they had a need for a few more "white boys" up there lol. It became a daily struggle as I went on the proverbial roller-coaster ride of putting a couple in this month, then maybe going 2 months without a contract, and always hearing the same tired crap about me being a less than stellar NCO/Soldier(believe me, the descriptions they used were far less flattering lol), yada yada yada....I went from being a "fast-track" Tanker to being a low life piece of shit. I also watched how others could play the system and get away with things that should have ended their careers, putting individuals in that shouldn't in good conscience enlisted, "dipping a DEP", etc etc.
From the time I left there in '98 and went back to the "real" Army I always swore I wouldn't wish Recruiting Duty on my worst enemy and did my best to persuade my junior NCOs to seek out DS duty as opposed to Recruiting. I realize that this has been over 20+ years ago now, so the duty may be very different today, however I would suggest caution still to anyone thinking of going on Recruiting Duty.

Response by TSgt David Brown made Jul 21 at 2016 11:53 AM

TSgt David Brown — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 11:53:31 -0400

I went into recruiting service in 1987. I was given the worst schools in the Houston, Pasadena Texas area. I left active duty after 2 years of that nightmare. Got called back to active for Dessert Shield/Storm in my old AFSC and it was a breath of fresh air after Recruiting service.

Response by SFC Kristina Thoman made Jul 21 at 2016 3:22 PM

SFC Kristina Thoman — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:22:55 -0400

I spent over 4 years as a detailed recruiter. I was involuntarily extended twice. I would rather be hung, disemboweled, and set fire to rather than EVER recruit again. It is where bad leaders go to bide their time until they get out, there is a total lack of integrity.

Response by SP6 Patrick Grossman made Jul 21 at 2016 6:03 PM

SP6 Patrick Grossman — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:03:30 -0400

I would rather do 36 back-to-back NTC rotations than go back to recruiting.

Response by LTC Matthew Robinson made Jul 21 at 2016 9:23 PM

LTC Matthew Robinson — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 21:23:30 -0400

I commanded a recruiting company for over four years 1997-2001. Some of the toughest time during my entire 27 years of service; including multiple deployments to Iraq. While I did not like the duty, the command climate, or the things I had to require of my soldiers, I learned a tremendous amount about leadership; lessons that stood me in good stead during all of my operational deployments / assignments. If you take the assignment, go in with eyes wide open. Steele yourself to give in ways that you have never considered. Be prepared to endure. Kent State University was in my Company AO. I was egged there once while in uniform. Oddly enough, that incident elevated me to hero status in the eyes of my NCO's. Good Luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2016 10:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:10:52 -0400

I'm currently commanding a recruiting unit in Southern California. My recruiters go home everyday around 1700. Is the leadership that you work for that makes the difference. If you want a challenging job go for it.

Response by SFC Robert Striblen made Jul 21 at 2016 10:16 PM

SFC Robert Striblen — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:16:04 -0400

Get ready to drive a lot.

Response by PO2 Jeff King made Jul 21 at 2016 11:08 PM

PO2 Jeff King — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 23:08:46 -0400

It's a sales job. No different from selling cars or, in my case, foodservice supplies and equipment. You have to follow up with the prospective recruits. My daughter was going to join the Navy. She had to get her medical records about her knee surgery. It took forever to get a response from the recruiter after she gave him her records. He never followed up. No phone calls, emails, texts or personal visits. Very poor salesmanship.

Response by 1SG Larry Taggart made Jul 22 at 2016 12:28 AM

1SG Larry Taggart — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:28:24 -0400

I have to agree with most of the comments. The Command atmosphere across the board within the recruiting command is not good. I was out there from 96-99 I was part of the surge to fix the Army assessment problem and the Recruiting command was not meeting it's mission. The first year was horrible. Our 1SG converted to 79R at Sgt and had been in recruiting for 14yrs but would tell me how bad a Soldier every time she would come to our station. I developed a medical issue and was told I needed surgery and be out for about a month. My 1SG tried to say that the AF doc was not authorized to make that medical decision and she was denying my surgery. That is when I finally had enough and stood up to her and told her I was going to have the surgery and contact JAG and my congressman. But the issue was just not isolated to just her this kind of leadership is common practice. This was the worst 3yrs of my life.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 22 at 2016 1:45 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 01:45:06 -0400

Good luck in your recruiter role

Response by 1SG Mark Reed made Jul 22 at 2016 6:49 AM

1SG Mark Reed — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 06:49:07 -0400

I was in USA REC for 13 years enjoyed it and retired in 99. I took my 24 year old college grad to a rec station a year ago and I was disappointed in the lack of motivation. The station commander was sloppy looking and even though he knew I was a retired 1SG he didn't even shake my hand or utter a word to me. The recruiter at the time said they didn't have individual missions/ goals. it was obvious in his actions that he could care less about getting an enlistment. My son is in law enforcement now and I am glad the recruiters we lazy as it help my so in making a choice in life.

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Jul 22 at 2016 9:14 AM

SSG Brian MacBain — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 09:14:56 -0400

I was a recruiter from 1999 to 2000. Not sure if they still do this, but back then you are on "probation" (what I call it). The first nine months, you are not rated on your NCOER. After the nine months you go to a board where the leadership (1SG's and CSM) look at your packet/computer and ask you questions. If they feel that recruiter duty will hurt your career, you are sent back to the "regular" army. That is what happened to me. As others had stated, it is a rough duty that is very stressful, not only stress from work, but stress from family as well (if you are married). If you can recruit 2 people into the army, you are a super star, but then next month nothing and now you are a dirt bag. Your NCOER will be based on how many you recruit into the army. You might be a squared away soldier, max the PT test, first to arrive and last to leave, if you do not recruit anyone or at a certain number for the year, you will get a poor NCOER. However, you could be a slob, barely past the PT test, but you get people in the army. Your NCOER would be a lot better then if you were squared away NCO. You will work long hours with one day off a week (Sunday) and that day you are really working because you are looking for prospects for Monday. Recruiting duty is not for everyone (wasn't for me), but it gave me more respect to all recruiters that does this line of work full time.

Response by SFC Vince Dunlap made Jul 22 at 2016 9:49 AM

SFC Vince Dunlap — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 09:49:13 -0400

It literally depends on the unit you go to. I was a DA selected recruiter in 2008. Speaking solely from a recruiting standpoint, it wasn't that bad. Yea you'll deal with headaches of kids and parents but that's the nature of the job. It happens. You'll learn a lot about yourself and pick up skills that you'll use later in your career/life. You don't have to go to the field, no CQ, you're guaranteed not to deploy for 3 years, all of that. But like I said earlier, it's all about the unit you go to. Some places just don't recruit well due to the demographics of the area. Some units understand this and don't hold their subordinate companies to idiotic standards. Others don't and all they care about is the mission at any cost. One month you're the hero, the next you're a zero. Your accomplishments will almost never be celebrated but your failures will almost always be highlighted throughout the company/BN. Want to see the absolute worst side of a Soldier? Go recruiting duty. Some recruiters will sell the souls of their moms if it means getting a contract. And if you do make a mistake, make sure you do something very egregious. Those types of incidents tend to be swept under the rug; especially if you're a high roller. But please do not make an honest mistake while on recruiting duty. They will throw the book at you and make an example for future recruiters out of you. As far as the military side of recruiting goes, the best thing about it I have to say is that I was able to leave.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 10:17 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 10:17:54 -0400

If anyone tells you recruiting is easy, they're liars. Some people do really well at it, but even they burn out after a while. A lot depends on your command too. If you're in a highly visible area, like a bigger city, the traffic often comes to you. However, if you're in an area that's really spread out, like what I had in rural Nevada, most of your time is spent on travel for site visits and MEPS transports. Also, I did the recruiting for the Army National Guard. It was the exact same process as AD Army. From my experience, it's a bit more stressful for the Guard personnel, because if you're not meeting mission as a Guard recruiter, you're fired very quickly. The AD folk who sucked pretty much just got reassigned to cutting grass details, but they still collected a pay check. Good luck in your hunt!

Response by SGM John Barnett made Jul 22 at 2016 2:45 PM

SGM John Barnett — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 14:45:20 -0400

A story of survival, I entered recruiting in 1978 in the Seattle Recruiting Battalion as a AGR recruiter, I was very successful not just through my own abilities but through the acceptance of Active Duty counter parts and a hard ass 1st Sgt, Jerry Gum. I earned my Gold recruiting Ring in 18 months and was selected as the Western Recruiter of the Year over 104 contracts that year and 385 contracts in four years in Seattle. I'm not tutting my whistle as you will see how even USAREC will eat their own commanders for incompetence. I spent four years in the Seattle Battalion but as time went on a massive purge was happening, even with those that were successful. I did not want to be caught up in that purge, so I requested a transfer to the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion. I was placed in the Glendale Recruiting Station. As many people have mentioned location can make or break you. At this point in time AGR recruiters were required to put in two Reserve and one active component. I was lucky and hit mission in two weeks however things were going to go down from there. Glendale California is the home of old Hollywood money, most of your appoints would show up driving cars that cost more than an E-7s annual income with BAQ, another down fall, most couldn't pass the testing or law violations. This whole situation drove me nuts so I went to the city hall and got some demographic information, it wasn't good. By this time I was already on bad boy Saturday morning training. I ask my command how long it had been since an RZA (Recruiting Zone Analysis) had been done, they told me it didn't matter, I persisted and was told 15 years. I had rolled donuts for about 4 months and the command sent a trainer down to follow me for a month to assess the way I was recruiting, the end result was, I was doing my job I was conducting interviews IAW the standards and I was doing my job, the trainers report also stated the RZA had a negative affect on recruiting because it didn't reflect a true picture is mission assignments. Bottom line even with the report, the Battalion sent a relief packet to USAREC and my Company Commander flat told me he was going to ruin my career. Remember earlier I said I wasn't tutting my horn, here why what I said is important about my easy early success. The USAR Operation MSG called me and wanted me to meet him for lunch. At lunch he showed me the USARC response to the Battalion Commander. He was told that the relief action was denied and that my failure was not due to my inactivity but failed leadership on the part of the Battalion and Company leadership teams. My ability to ship 385 enlistees in 4 previous year was their reasoning. Before this I had submitted several 4187s for reassignment out of recruiting, I was later told by the admin NCO that he was told to withhold any requests from me, it was their intent to get me out of the Army. Knowing this I worked back channels to obtain an assignment in USAR Strength Management and Retention. In fact I had my orders before the Battalion had even received them. When I provided a copy to my CO his reaction was priceless, much like my two year old when throwing a tantrum. My Battalion Commander tried to stop it to no avail. I entered recruiting as an E-7, after 25 years on active duty in a AGR status I retired as a Sergeant Major. The point is if you work hard, stick to your values and justify your positions with facts you will always end up on top. I will say USAREC is one Army organization that truly needs to be sanitized.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 5:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:40:39 -0400

The armys Mafia

Response by SFC Jim Enghusen made Jul 22 at 2016 10:53 PM

SFC Jim Enghusen — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 22:53:49 -0400

Here's my take from someone who's been putting civilians in boots probably longer than anyone. I was drafted into recruiting (USAREC) in 1985. My tour was 3 years, but I was involuntary extended for a 4th year. I was successful, getting my ring in 27 months and was a Station Commander after 12 months (Cheyenne WY). After 4 years away from my MOS, I decided to convert to 00E to finish out my career. Recruiting was always bloody and abusive. I was fired once during a purge of most of the Station Commanders, only to be reassigned to another BN when none of the charges could stick (the charge was not having a walkin policy posted, and sometime 6 months prior I closed the station and we had beers during duty hours).

I retired in 1996, and was picked up to recruit for Cadet Command at a University of California ROTC. After 8 years of ROTC recruiting, which was much easier than USAREC, I left to recruit Specialty Branch Officers (AMEDD, JAG and Chaplains) for the National Guard, which I'm still doing.

So, after 31 years, my take on recruiting is if you have the right personally (anal), a strong work ethic, can handle rejection, thick skin, have the gift of gab, and you are likable, go for it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2016 12:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 00:43:48 -0400

I was a recruiter during the years of the surge, 2005 to 2008. Recruiting was though, and finding qualified individuals even harder. Serving as a recruiter can be both challenging and rewarding. When I was there, it was about the "individual" mission. Today is about the team, and each team member has to pull their weight. In Recruiting you will find out what a true leader and mentor is. It is easy to give orders to a trained Private, takes a true leader and mentor to motivate somebody to change their lifestyle, and leave everything they know behind. There will be hard, long days, but there will be days when you know that you changed a person's life for ever.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2016 12:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 00:45:12 -0400

Life for me is working 0845-2100 Monday through Friday and most Saturday's. Whether you put 1 contract a month or 4, you don't get more time off. If you put 4, your expected to put 5. I have been very successful but I do not enjoy it, nor do I recommend it. Many recruiters get divorced or at a minimum have severe family issues. I'm currently going through a divorce. The hours and stress are non stop.

Response by PO1 Joe Grieco made Jul 23 at 2016 7:34 AM

PO1 Joe Grieco — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 07:34:22 -0400

I got sent on recruiting duty, even though I requested Instructor duty. It took me away from my tech field, and I pretty much had to relearn everything I forgot for the two years I was away. Yeah, that's how long it took for me to get back to the Real Navy. Our Chief Recruiter had no idea what Submarine Sailor mentality was, and there were 8 of us in the district, all with the same attitude - we all wanted to get back to patrol depth!

Response by SSG Nathan Correia made Jul 23 at 2016 9:54 AM

SSG Nathan Correia — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 09:54:00 -0400

Well, as for me, it was a time in my career that really hurt. I was selected, of course, and at first I wanted to fail the recruiter course. It sounded like a great plan but I could never do that to myself. Just to give you a little perspective, our class had a total number of 73 students. Of that, only three of them were volunteers. And two of the three volunteers were prior recruiters. Recruiting is a thankless job. I was blessed to have a supporting cast to help me along the way. My tour was extended for 12 months so that meant being on recruiting duty for a total of 4 years. Depression(nothing serious) kicked in when I received the email just 6 months prior to my projected PCS date. This was during the peak time of the war, 2001 thru 2005. Our Brigade and Battalion were riding high making mission box month after month. I was able to earn my ring on the last contract before go back to the REAL army. I miss my fellow recruiters but I definitely do not miss recruiting.

Response by SFC Kevin Presser made Jul 23 at 2016 10:10 AM

SFC Kevin Presser — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 10:10:38 -0400

When I was recruiting from 86 to 88, the leadership style in recruiting was demand, threaten, and punish. From the comments here, it doesn't seem it has changed much.

Response by SSG David Hendershot made Jul 23 at 2016 5:52 PM

SSG David Hendershot — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 17:52:51 -0400

Run, fast the other way. I did it for 36 months. 20% chance it will be the best job you ever had and 80% chance you will be hating life. Only 20% make mission. I was convinced like 95% of my peers that I would be successful and I was rarely correct. If you have to, try for a small station in a conservative town. You probably will not have a choice. Also, type outgoing personalities do better. Don't listen when the SGM is screaming at you and calling you a turd like everyone else who doesn't make mission. "8 to 8 no mission to great" was our motto. We had mandatory hours Monday through Saturday. Say goodbye to your loved ones, because you will only see them on Sundays. On the bright side, the actual recruiting part is a lot of fun. It felt great helping change young lives for the better.

Response by CPO Tom Jacobs made Jul 25 at 2016 1:20 AM

CPO Tom Jacobs — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 01:20:28 -0400

Do you like people? Can you start a conversation with total strangers easily? Are you comfortable talking on the phone and in front of groups of people that you don't know? Are you a born salesman. If you enjoy all of the above then it may be the right job for you. However if you are shy and don't enjoy making new friends then this is not the job for you.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made Jul 28 at 2016 10:58 PM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 22:58:37 -0400

Was a Navy Recruiter from 1988-1992 I think being an Army Recruiter is the hardest job in any Military service!! You could put 20 people in that scored a 99 on the ASVAB but it would not matter, because you did not make your mission because you did not hit the flavors they assigned you. Run and like some one else said go Drill Sargent and never speak of this again!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 9:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 09:07:48 -0400

Go Drill!!!!!!!

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Aug 9 at 2016 9:30 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 09:30:00 -0400

Andrew-- as a former 1975 recruiter and later a USAREC Army Reserve Operations Officer I will tell you that you will have no life and marriages gailbecsuse if it. However it was the most rewarding part of my dirty years if military service. Hooah

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 10:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 10:21:15 -0400

SSG Charlton,
Everyone's opinion will vary based on their recruiting experience. Recruiting has changed substantially over the past decade or 25 years in my case. I have been continually assigned to recruiting command since December 1991. I am completing my 25th year in recruiting command. I have served in every capacity. I served as a Recruiter 9 years (3 different markets), Healthcare Recruiter, Healthcare Region NCOIC, Field First Sergeant, Guidance Counselor, Senior Counselor, Battalion Operations NCOIC, BDE Operations NCOIC, First Sergeant, Brigade Senior Master Trainer. I now serve as the Knowledge Management NCOIC for the entire Recruiting Command. I served as a recruiter in 4 different markets (including healthcare) and excelled in all of them. Recruiting is NOT based on numbers anymore. Yes, there is a mission which is assigned at the company level. Your job will be to fulfill the role assigned to you by your Center Leader. You could be a processor (administrative, packets, phone calls), engagement (school set ups and conducting appointments) or Future Soldier leader (manage Soldiers preparing to ship). You could be a hybrid of all of the above. No recruiter signs for or gets credit for an enlistment anymore. You are rated by how well you perform your role in the process. There is good and bad in every part of the Army. Recruiting requires a highly motivated and independent person in order to excel. The job is not hard. People make it hard. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to me. I can even link you with a recruiting center if you are stateside so you can see first hand what they do. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 25 years of service in recruiting. I would do it all over again without a thought. I hope to hear from you. Take Care and God Bless!

Response by SFC Luis Rodriguez made Aug 9 at 2016 11:18 AM

SFC Luis Rodriguez — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:18:23 -0400

If you are not a people person with an urge to meet and greet...You will not like it.
Superiors are out of their league... The want numbers without the leadership. It can be a dog eat dog command presents.
You will be working with soldiers without the skills you may have (people person). So, you will forced to give away your hard worked prospects.
You need to do all by the book... Or you will be thrown to the wolves and backs will turn. No one will know you because of selfish preoccupations! There is never a perfect recruiting strategy. It's not the easiest task to recruit something one can see, feel, or touch. So, be aware of the grey area techniques. No one will no you if you slip.

Response by SFC Bill Graham made Aug 9 at 2016 11:58 AM

SFC Bill Graham — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:58:42 -0400

I did 4 years back in the early 80s and from the comments I've read here, nothing has changed. I was promoted to E-7 as (a then) 00R. Gold Badge, 2 Sapphire Station Commander.. I experienced relative success. But take heed.. be ready for long days, short nights , seeing your family mostly while they're asleep. No PX, Commissay or any other facilities you're used to. Everything is on the economy.. just hope you get assigned to a low cost of living area. LA, SF, NYC.. forget it, you'll go broke.
However if you like to sell, like long hours, like living with disappointment, stebacks, challanges with little understanding from your command.. you might make a positive impact on the future of your branch by recruiting people in your image.. but you'll take anybody in any capacity in order to make mission.
Good luck in your decision.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Aug 9 at 2016 4:45 PM

SFC Freddie Porter — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 16:45:56 -0400

Don't do it under any circumstances unless you want to see promotion opportunities go out the window, bad NCOERs, 7 day, 24 hour work days, 7 days a week, high pressure from the command group, being aubject to Johnny's decision making process, and a possible divorce. Your choice

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Aug 9 at 2016 5:04 PM

SFC Larry Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 17:04:28 -0400

I did well in my initial assignment. The hours are unbelievable. I was talked into converting to 00R (aka 79R), and staying. All I will say is it ultimately ruined my health and I am now retired with a 100% disability rating.

Response by CW3 Robert Angeli made Aug 9 at 2016 6:56 PM

CW3 Robert Angeli — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:56:47 -0400

From what I read of most of the responses recruiting has not changed. I was a recruiter from 1980-1983 under the All You Can Be motto.

Response by SPC Ken Sawyer made Aug 9 at 2016 8:22 PM

SPC Ken Sawyer — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 20:22:34 -0400

My son is a Marine Recruiter it is the worst job in the service you will have no weekends no evenings no life.

Response by SSG Lonny Self made Aug 9 at 2016 11:03 PM

SSG Lonny Self — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 23:03:48 -0400

worked meps in 1986 87 as a special tester and processing nco it was pretty good did a short stent as a station helper and I can tell you I felt bad for recruiters because of time they spent on the road so station is everything think of the weather because it is your enemy and the culture where you are it is a determining factor in 1987 my meps got mass awards for the numbers we got but can tell you it was a shit show most the time if you do not have a good station commander and team you will fail and mind you all meps are short handed so cross training as desk jockey no problem . but if it is a real good meps and they take care of you it is just hard work on your part to make it happen

Response by PV2 Laura Powell made Aug 10 at 2016 1:46 AM

PV2 Laura Powell — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 01:46:44 -0400

Friends don't let Friends go on recruiting duty...!

Response by SSG William Coble made Aug 10 at 2016 12:01 PM

SSG William Coble — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 12:01:07 -0400

Recruited 1986 to 1988 worst time I ever had in my career. Luckily got out early cause we were over strength. My advice don't do it

Response by SFC Billy Huether made Aug 10 at 2016 6:39 PM

SFC Billy Huether — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:39:29 -0400

I was "on the bag" from '98 to '02. WORST DECISION I EVER MADE IN MY 20 YEARS. It's nothing but pressure, pressure and more pressure. You can go from Hero to Zero because some shithead high school Senior gets his/her first piece of yum yum, now they're in love, don't want to leave and you suffer the consequences. Get that? As a Senior NCO with 17 yrs, I was told by my Bn CSM and I quote, "You're a disgrace to the NCO Corps. It must be nice getting that big SFC paycheck and not doing anything to earn it!" This was because I had a kid, whom I tutored, fail English and didn't graduate. Hence, no diploma...no ship to Basic. Wrap your head around that for a sec! I am a POS because some knucklehead can't read and write. It's my fault. OH, AND BTW now you're negative for that month. Means this, if your Station Commander assigns you 1 HS Grad&1 HS Sr, now you sit at negative 1 due to your DEP loss no graduate. The other issue I had a VERY DIFFICULT time with was the way I was treated by society. As NCO's, we're really not used to being told NO or being treated with contempt. I had a teacher tell me that the Army was for people who can't live within the normal parameters of life. I said really. So, when I asked to compare paychecks and places they had been....Well, you can imagine their shame and embarrassment. I will die before I ever sell anything ever again. One last point, I actually had teachers, administrators, etc ask me where I lived. Confused, I asked where THEY thought I lived. With purest candor, the majority thought I lived in a tent somewhere in the woods. When I told them I had just bought a 4 bedroom 2 bath 2,200 sq ft house with a pool and jacuzzi, that my wife and 2 children lived in with me, they thought I was lying. I had to bring pictures. I actually brought my mortgage paperwork to a HS Principal who refused to believe me. ASK YOURSELF, IS THAT THE KIND OF LIFE YOU WANT?

Response by SSG Robert Pratt made Aug 11 at 2016 4:40 PM

SSG Robert Pratt — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 16:40:57 -0400

There were a few perks being stationed in CT. Most of my family lived in R.I. so my kids got to see their grandparents regularly, Lime Rock Park is an awesome track to see sports car races, there were numerous old Nike missile sites in CT and they all had little housing areas so we had a house for Gov't quarters, the building our recruiting station was in closed at 3 on saturday's and was closed sunday. Several years later I was driving home for Thanksgiving and hit a massive traffic jam in Hartford and I thought....if I get off at this exit I can go zip zip zip thru the city and bypass all the traffic. One of the bennies of being stationed in the city is learning the streets!

Response by MSG JeffreyIan Partlow made Aug 16 at 2016 5:08 AM

MSG JeffreyIan Partlow — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 05:08:06 -0400

Lots of late nights, an angry wife if your married because you come home late and are always short tempered. Bring in more than your required for the month and your a hero bring in less than required and your a zero going for retraining. It's all about numbers. By the end of your recruiter trail you'll be questioning your continued career in the service.

Response by SFC James Jenkins made Aug 23 at 2016 6:31 PM

SFC James Jenkins — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:31:46 -0400

Your out of your mind! Recruted for the Guard from 90-97..worst years ever..The only pleasure was watching your recruit who wanted to be a soldier succeed. Long hours and unappreciative leaders...I am now retired..but would never advise anyone to use Recruiting as a career enhancement!

Response by SFC Cameron Cranston made Nov 18 at 2016 12:03 AM

SFC Cameron Cranston — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 00:03:06 -0500

Did 3 years in Tallahassee Florida in the early 90s. Every previous comment is spot on. Hero to zero is a way of life. I was recommended for relief for cause one month and Battalion top recruiter the next. I have both memos framed side by side. Watch the Battalion staff. I received a promotion packet marked "Soldier not available for signature". It was 168 points lower than the previous year. That took a little while to recover from.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made Nov 18 at 2016 8:08 AM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 08:08:45 -0500

I was a Navy recruiter back in the late 80's early 90's in my opinion, being an Army Recruiter is the worst job in the Army. Things may have changed since then but both Recruiters in Charge of the Army recruiting station where I was at turned themselves into the Fuzzy Slipper ward. They were always at the office until 2100 hours or later every night. They could have put 100 people in the Army that month but if you did not hit the Flavors you were assigned you have not made mission. To me it was very stressful job for them. Again this was more than 20 years ago, but I now work in the mall and see the local recruiters here and I do not think it has gotten any better. Again this is just my opinion.

Response by SSG William Coble made Nov 25 at 2016 3:57 PM

SSG William Coble — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 15:57:55 -0500

Worst time of my life in the Army. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Even my worst enemy.

Response by SFC Keith Bennett made Dec 1 at 2016 2:50 PM

SFC Keith Bennett — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:50:09 -0500

I did not volunteer for recruiting. I received orders placing me on recruiting duty,(The last thing I ever wanted) I started as a recruiter, then became a Station Commander of a very large station with twelve recruiters. I was very successful. Gold Badge 3 Safire's. I never liked recruiting duty, very stressful to make mission month after month. My goal was to make E-8 become a First Sergeant in a combat unit. Because of my success I was reassigned to recruiting as a OOR-40. I would have to reenlist to receive my E-8. Of course that wasn't going to happen. I would not recommend recruiting to anyone. You either make mission or your future in the military is at risk. The other posts I've seen pretty much sum up everything I saw and experienced. Now if you are successful and they let you out, you most likely will get promoted. Good Luck!

Response by SFC Luis Rodriguez made Jul 20 at 2017 5:04 PM

SFC Luis Rodriguez — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 17:04:49 -0400

Look at your President and decide for yourself. If you can't believe how big his ego is, recruiters deal with the same crap from their leaders! Yup! It's different and very disheartening! No one bats for you in recruiting... you are an individual!

Response by LTC Matthew Robinson made Jul 22 at 2017 12:12 PM

LTC Matthew Robinson — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 12:12:51 -0400

I commanded a recruiting company for four long years. While this was one of the most challenging assignments I had; including two tours in Baghdad, it helped me develop leadership skills I used throughout the rest of my career and even now in the classroom. My experience in recruiting is old, 1997-2001, but glancing at some of the comments, many things remain the same. Recruiting is hard, harder than you can imagine, but needed. I worked hard to be that voice of sanity, which did not endear me to my command, but that's why they paid me the big bucks. Always, always, always tell the truth. Good luck with your assignment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 3:59 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:59:50 -0400

If it's the same as when I was a recruiter back in the 70's, it would be easier to be in a line combat outfit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 2:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 14:45:24 -0400

Enroll in college, network in the community. Because most likely you will want to ETS after 3 years