Army recruiters struggling to meet enlistment goals say one of their biggest hurdles is getting into high schools, where they can meet students one on one. But they received a recent boost from a recruiting advocate whom school leaders couldn’t turn away: the secretary of the Army.
During three days of back-to-back meetings across Chicago last month, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth spoke with students, school leaders, college heads, recruiters and an array of young people involved in ROTC or junior ROTC programs. Again and again, she asked, what can the Army do to better reach young people and sell itself as a good career choice.
In blunt sessions, recruiting leaders told her they need more and better access to high school students. But they also said the atmosphere can at times be unfriendly — or worse — with school leaders, many of whom are skeptical that the Army offers a good career option for their students. “I’m going to use the word hostile,” one recruiter told her. “There’s no other word to use.”
I remember recruiters coming to my high school offering military careers about 50 years ago. It should be done now.
High schools should definitely allow military recruiters in. That’s how my son went into the Army, which was the best thing he could have done, and and a career of it. He signed up in his junior year of high school on a delayed entry and then went in after he graduated! It’s as good thing!! Being a recruiter is not an easy job!!
And in Chicago, so many of those high school kids already have expertise with firearms.
The country can’t really rely on that kind of experience for our defense 8:14, but it sounds good.
Why in the hell would any sane person choose the military to fight for corrupt politicians who turn their backs on veterans returning from war with missing limbs and mental issues?
Be all you can Be is back. Military needs to change their business model. Continuing to recruit or attempt to recruit in areas less fortunate hasnt worked since the 20th century. Plus the military had to cut benefits years ago, mandated by CONgress. They are no longer an employer of choice.
I have no answer in todays NIMBY, feelings and a divided what about me society. Attempt to go to middle or higher class high schools, parts block it….continue to focus on lower class…..thats insanity.