Best way to provide information to a Recruiter about a possible recruit?

2015-04-30T13:49:48-04:00

Hey everyone. Just a little background that is relevant to this situation (on myself). I served three years active duty with a one year deployment to lovely Baghdad after which I decided to leave the Military and enter back into the teaching field. I am now at the high school level where I not only teach, but also coach multiple sports and am involved with a lot of other activities. Reason why I tell you that is so that you have an understanding that I see these kids in a wide range of environments, so I see myself as a well rounded individual in terms of judging kids and providing information in more than just a classroom setting. As everyone knows, not the best Soldiers were straight A student (if that comes as a surprise to you than I'm sorry for spoiling that for you).

So to my original question. We had a recruiter come to our school a few days ago during our physical education class. Nothing earth shattering here other than a Recruiter doing their PR work. Fast forward to today, I happened to ask this Sergeant if he happened to be working with a certain student. At which time he told me he was. From here I informed him of discipline issues this kid has had throughout his high school time as well as his drug use (which this kid is very open to). This particular Sergeant did not seem like he cared nor was worried about the information I was passing along to him. I told him straight up that I did not want to feel as if I was forcing information on him but thought he'd like to know so he isn't wasting valuable time on this guy. Turns out, from talking to other staff members, this same Sergeant was also seen a few weeks ago chasing this same individual down the hallway asking him why he hasn't returned numerous other voice mails/messages he has left.

Anyways, is this an isolated incident where a recruiter is so focused in on just getting the credit for this kid getting through MEPS he doesn't care about the issues at hand? I have talked with other recruiters (not from this location) before about other kids and they all have been positive (both good kids and bad kids).

I'll hang up and listen to what you all think.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 30 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-04-30T13:53:12-04:00

Call them... You can send it though the internet or e-mail but they stand a chance of being delayed.... Just look up the number and give them a ring. I was a recruiter and we were totally on top of any call in possibilities.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-04-30T13:59:29-04:00

I would say that information is hearsay unless coming from him a guardian or a physician of sorts "drug use". I personally would take a teachers information into consideration. Also, a recruiter chasing a kid down the hall at a school is pretty unprofessional. Recruiters are suppose to be establishing a friendship/ partnership between himself the Army and the school, chasing a kid down the hall seems more of a nucenc then a helping hand.

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Apr 30 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-04-30T14:15:41-04:00

Couple of things come to mind. Depending on location and command climate (usually toxic in USAREC), recruiting is absurdly stressful. There is tremendous pressure to produce. This recruiter is probably being leaned on by his station commander to get results. This certainly doesn't excuse a recruiter acting unethically or ignoring disqualifying information; I only say it to help you understand things from the recruiter's perspective. Or he could just be a jerk; I have no way of knowing.

Secondly, and more importantly, qualifying or disqualifying a candidate isn't really the recruiter's job. A recruiter prescreens a candidate, and then (barring any red flags) sends them to MEPS for vetting. It's the folks at MEPS who ultimately decide of a candidate makes the cut. The recruiter's ultimate responsibilities are to not lie to candidates about Army life, not lie to MEPS about a candidate, and get candidates to MEPS. Any recruiter who tries to, you know, actually mentor candidates are just going above and beyond.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 30 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-04-30T15:06:46-04:00

A lot of factors in play with your question that are not in your posting. In truth, the best way to provide information is directly to the recruiter and to have a relationship with the recruiter, so they are willing to trust what you are saying.

While I am sure you were looking out for the service, we also need to give people a chance to at try to make something of their lives...there were a lot of people make it through training who many did not think were the 'right' fit?

Response by PO1 Seth Crotser made Apr 30 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-04-30T16:00:38-04:00

Well at the moment I am a recruiter for the United States Navy and as long as it wasn't a major drug issue then that's not a problem and the discipline issue wouldn't deter me either. I would say thank you for the information and continue on. My job is to find qualified people as well as be a role model. If I could get that kid and let him know what is out there for him but all he has to do is straighten up. I love being a mentor and role model for these kids and helping people out of situations like that.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Apr 30 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-04-30T17:26:47-04:00

SPC Nate Lamphier Nate... A lot of good advice here and kudos for you to try and be helpful to the recruiter. A million years ago (1992-1994) when I was one for the Army in Joplin, MO trying to get anything resembling help from a teacher or counselor was a challenge. We were always trying to find COIs or Centers of Influence to help us... Which you would fall in the category of IMO. I would recommend... if you're game... Going to the Recruiting Office and establishing some rapport with the Station Commander and the recruiter(s). I know one thing from my time... any Intel, good or bad, on a prospective applicant was helpful... and could prepare me for unpleasant surprises... My job is to give a kid a chance; however, I tried very hard to ensure the kid wasn't a "chapter" waiting to happen.