The Montana National Guard had hoped to recruit 526 new soldiers this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.
"We're at 98.5 percent of our goal," said Lt. Col. Scott Smith, the Guard's personnel officer. "Last year at this time, we were at 67 percent of mission."
In addition, the enlistment signing bonus has doubled to $20,000, said Maj. Barry Gilman of the Guard's recruiting command. And the National Guard will repay up to $20,000 in student loans, up from $10,000.
"If they commit for six years, their college will basically be paid for at schools like Missoula and Bozeman," said Sgt. 1st Class Dave Kelly, who heads the Great Falls recruiting office. "There's lots of money available out there."
The increase is a change from years past, when fears of being deployed to fight in Iraq have hampered recruiting efforts around the country.
Recruiters are particularly excited about the new recruiting program, which gives guardsmen a check for $1,000 when one of their friends sign up.
Guardsmen get another $1,000 if their friend finishes basic training and advanced individual training.
"This program made it so that we had a record-breaking June, with almost 50 new soldiers signing up," Smith said. "And June is usually a very dry month for recruits."
The message is stronger when it comes from a friend, he explained.
"We have the target market recruiting the target market, so it's a pretty exciting time for us," he said.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)