Retention and Recruitment Crisis

AWP said:
Spitballing and not sure what data you have or can provide.

- What is prompting a surge in recruiting? We hear about the new Admin, focus on warfighting, anti-DEI and whatnot, but what is the actual story or are the talking points valid?
- Historically, Southerners have provided a majority of enlistees. Is this still true?
- Are you or your recruiters receiving feedback from your recruits once they complete training? If so, what are some of their observations?
- Is a dedicated recruiting MOS providing benefits over the old system and how effective are they?
- Currently, what are the top 3 disqualifiers for enlistment and do you know how that's trended or changed over the last 2 decades?
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1. The post election surge is usual, especially after Presidential elections. Nothing new with it tbh. Since Army has continued to meet mission early, we also assess it is due to a desire for economic security. The third reason is four + years since COVID and our focus back on recruiting in high schools.
2. Generally the south is predisposed to serve but that is due to the large number of military bases there. We also see most of recruits from the west coast (especially California) and Great Basin, as well as NYC. NYC and LA are moneymakers for Army and Army Reserve.
3. Yes, every recruiter has told me a story of their recruits texting or calling them after basic training and telling them they’ve graduated. This continues once they get through AIT and first unit. The training is good and they feel proud to be soldiers. (We’ve had to surge drill sergeants and stand up basic training companies at a rapid pace the last three years)
4. The dedicated MOS is great and offers soldiers a new way to serve. The department of army select recruiters are greasy because they want to succeed and get back to operational force. It’s a good mix. Bottom line: the recruiting MOS is VITAL because you absolutely cannot have a novice or beginner running recruiting operations in a 3-shop or as a 1SG or CSM. The recruiting school is adding some additional leadership training to help fill gaps.
5. It is harder to join the Army now than it was ten years ago and 20 years ago. Top three disqualifying things are for felony crime, major medical issues (which all make sense) and a poor ASVAB score (below 30). There is a waiver for just about everything else.
 
@Viper1 thank you for the insight. That was awesome. Because I'm an information junkie and someone might find this useful one day.

- Does USAREC receive any heads up about changes rumored or coming to OSUT/ AIT curriculum? Length, subjects added or dropped? What's the lead time look lie from "hey, this is changing" to "We're doing x, y, and z now"? I'm guessing yes, yes, and months.
- What MOS' are being reviewed for changes or have changes coming? I only ask for broad terms, I'd never ask for classified stuff for quite obvious reasons. As a nerd I'm always curious to see what new technology or "gadgets" are being taught to various MOS' given the increasing technical nature of the world at large which has to filter down to even the most resistant organizations.
- With a dedicated MOS now, what's a typical PCS cycle look like for a recruiter or even an overall career path? Do they eventually go to or have the opportunity to recruit for SOF organizations or is SOF recruitment handled by SOF veterans?
- Is there a form of selection assessment that occurs when someone wants to enlist or crosstrain as a recruiter? Admin aptitude, personality, "salesmanship", etc.

That's a lot of questions, but I think everyone sees the method behind the madness.
 
AWP said:
Do they eventually go to or have the opportunity to recruit for SOF organizations or is SOF recruitment handled by SOF veterans?
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We have a dedicated SOF recruiter for our BN; I know a few other states have a similar thing. He's hadn't been with SOF before this assignment IIRC. When he first started the role he used to give my number out to people interested in support jobs (especially cooks) so I could answer questions about the unit culture/expectations.
 
Viper1 said:
Right now, it’s actually mid-west and Great Plains of USA. Limited military bases and the National Guard is our largest rival.
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Thanks.

I have a question re: your first point. Up front, I am not arguing, just seeking clarification. With a few years of below-projection enlistment under Biden, the assessment is that the surge in recruitment is not 'political' but rather 'economic'? Just wanting to make sure I am tracking. This is great info; I'd love to see what your counterparts in other services would say to the same questions.

Do y'all share info?
 
Devildoc said:
Thanks.

I have a question re: your first point. Up front, I am not arguing, just seeking clarification. With a few years of below-projection enlistment under Biden, the assessment is that the surge in recruitment is not 'political' but rather 'economic'? Just wanting to make sure I am tracking. This is great info; I'd love to see what your counterparts in other services would say to the same questions.

Do y'all share info?
Click to expand...

I stumbled upon a interesting article that came out today, discussing a worldwide increase in younger recruits.

Why being a soldier is cool again in the West - Asia Times
 
Viper1 said:
To answer an earlier question: future soldier prep course is a great success, especially for folks that need to lose weight to continue training. The first two commanders were LTC Kent Solheim and LTC Ken Dwyer, both SF. Look them up.

If amputees can crush it, so can our young people.
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I know Kent. We were instructors together at West Point. Good guy.
 
AWP said:
@Viper1 thank you for the insight. That was awesome. Because I'm an information junkie and someone might find this useful one day.

- Does USAREC receive any heads up about changes rumored or coming to OSUT/ AIT curriculum? Length, subjects added or dropped? What's the lead time look lie from "hey, this is changing" to "We're doing x, y, and z now"? I'm guessing yes, yes, and months.
- What MOS' are being reviewed for changes or have changes coming? I only ask for broad terms, I'd never ask for classified stuff for quite obvious reasons. As a nerd I'm always curious to see what new technology or "gadgets" are being taught to various MOS' given the increasing technical nature of the world at large which has to filter down to even the most resistant organizations.
- With a dedicated MOS now, what's a typical PCS cycle look like for a recruiter or even an overall career path? Do they eventually go to or have the opportunity to recruit for SOF organizations or is SOF recruitment handled by SOF veterans?
- Is there a form of selection assessment that occurs when someone wants to enlist or crosstrain as a recruiter? Admin aptitude, personality, "salesmanship", etc.

That's a lot of questions, but I think everyone sees the method behind the madness.
Click to expand...
1. They do receive updates. Best part- US Army Recruiting Command will remain a three star HQ with charge of: 1) Army Enterprise Marketing Office, 2) Recruiting Division 3) Cadet Command and 4) Initial military training. Our CG will now be able to align all of our culture and objectives. This is a good thing.
2) We need ADA, FA, 11-series, 18 series, and ADA maintainers. Those are the focus MOS
3) I’ll cover in a separate post
4) yes, DA select recruiters must pass multiple tests and interviews with CSM at BN Level in order to become a 79R Recrutiers
 

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