Posted on Mar 17, 2015
SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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I n have 69 days until I leave recruiting duty. How do you as leaders feel about recruiters coming back to the line?
Posted in these groups: Recruiting logo Recruiting
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COL Charles Williams
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Edited >1 y ago
Recruiting, Drill Sergeant Duty, etc. are extremely important jobs for our Army and the NCOs who do them. It is the way the Army works. You will return to your speciality better than when you left (broadened). It is the way of the Army. The only thing I frowned upon were professional recruiters, and career counselors... While I understand we need them... it seemed like an easy way out.... The line is where we make our money.

Good luck!
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SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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>1 y
COL Williams,

In my experience here on Recruiting Detail, I have noticed some of the best Leaders I have ever worked for. For example, MSG Martie who was my Assistant Center Commander for a short year, was an SFC at the time. He had such an influence on me to attend college and be the best recruiter that I could be at the same time. He proudly hung up his college degree's on the wall to show incoming applicants that we can accomplish many things as Soldiers. He was an AGR (reserve) Recruiter and is now a MEPS liaison, I guarantee that he'll be a CSM someday. I can officially say that he was a huge influence on my career, especially when he taught me how ACT works, comparing my college against every other NCO in my MOS.

I considered (briefly) converting to 79R and becoming an full time recruiter, but I realized that I love the Infantry too much. I joined the Army for one reason, and I cannot see myself switching to 79R to become something that I'd grow tired of. There are too many people in the Army who are counting down the days to get out, meanwhile I wake up every day hoping to train a new recruit.

I will say this, there are many recruiters who have converted for the wrong reasons, in MY opinion. This was the primary benefactor in my decision not to convert. I would not be able to lead a NCO who has been in the Army 19 years as a Recruiter, only counting down the days until he/she left the Army. It seems like an impossible task. I give props to the Center Commanders who take on such a role, although there are many factors that change in location of that CC in an office.

In the past 2 3/4 years that I have been on Recruiting Duty in WV, I have accomplished more than what I had thought I could. I have been inducted into the SAMC, earned 2 ARCOMS (you can only earn 3 while serving as a detailed recruiter), I earned my MOVSM while volunteering at a local hospital, earned a college degree and a Technical Certificate in CCPA; all of which I plan to bring with me to the 2-506 when I report there in 2 months, helping new NCO's become a better example for their Soldiers.

My biggest worry is PT, not for myself, but other NCO's in the trap or Recruiting Duty. My Battalion SOP states that PT is an "Individual Responsibility" which means there is not a Unit PT standard. I am confused by this because while I was in the ARC, I had a General Officer address my class on how important PT was and how he made sure he did it every day. Unfortunately, I don't think tat message is enforced.

I appreciate your reply, I hope that my reply is sufficient in understanding of my opinion. I am new to the RallyPoint site and I want to make sure that I am able to show the respect but also show my personal views.

Sir,
Thank you for your time,
~SSG Allenbrand
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
>1 y
Hooah. My best CSM, bar none, was a recruiter... not a Drill Sergeant.
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SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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COL Williams,

Hooah, that is the best NCO in the game. I only wish that I was DA selected for DS duty, but I will use what I have to train! The Airborne Leads The Way!

SSG Allenbrand
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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Here are a few things I will pass on to you as I was in the same position many moons ago. I woke up one morning with about 90 days left on recruiting duty, it hit me like a ton of bricks...I am a little out of shape, my hair is a little long, and WTF did I do before recruiting? I was a little nervous, not scared but nervous.

If you haven't done so already call branch and get a school, any school. You're an Infantryman so ask for Pathfinder if you don't have the torch already, Stryker Master Trainer course, Infantry Mortar Leaders Course if your 11C (if you have already attended ask to go again for a refresher, they will send you), Javelin Course or if you think you're ready Ranger School. The point is, a school will help you get back into the Army "groove", get you back on an Army installation, give you an opportunity to get in better shape, and give you a skill going to your gaining unit.

Branch gave me Pathfinder and IMLC enroute to Hawaii coming out of recruiting. Since I was out of my MOS for three years IMLC was granted again as a refresher (it's actually in a regulation or was). I recommend trying to get a school that will help you in your next assignment i.e going to a Stryker unit, try and get Stryker Master Trainer.

Nobody ever treated me any different coming off recruiting duty. I have never seen anyone treat a detailed recruiter any different fro any other newly arriving Soldier. Thanks for keeping our Army strong now get back out there and lead!!!
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SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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>1 y
CSM Oldsen,

I am currently 47 days away from leaving Richmond, VA Battalion (1st Recruiting BDE). I realized at my 100 day count down that I had some changes to make. I had forgotten certain basics on the 11B field, therefore I have conducted 1,000 hours of correspondence hours on AKO; also I have read the EIB and Ranger Handbook every night since my countdown.

I have contacted branch, fortunately for me, my previous 1sg is now the acting CSM of the Infantry Branch and a SQD Leader of my old Company is the assignment manager of E6's for 11B.

The DA is no longer responsible for schools in route, that is covered by the unit. My guess is that it is the big change with the DTS and how to account for TDY and government spending?

I appreciate your valuable input, and trust me when I say (my wife knows as well), I will be attending Ranger School upon completion of Air Assault School when I report to the 2-506.

Thank you for your time,
SSG Allenbrand
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SFC Josh Jackson
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The only real challenge I faced was how much had changed in only three years. I'm commo, so I missed a few significant equipment fieldings. "What the hell is an ASIPS radio? It looks like a SINCGARS to me." I felt like Rip Van Winkle!

As for the reception I got, nobody cared that I'd been on recruiting. I perceived no difference in treatment due to the fact that I hadn't performed in my MOS for the past three years. As long as you show up with the mindset that you're ready to get back to work, you should be fine.
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SFC Charles S.
SFC Charles S.
>1 y
I know exactly what you mean. I left Recruiting after 3 years and reentered my MOS Field duty and had missed a lot of technical changes. Even more I was assigned to a DMMC MATO office as a Logistic Maintenance Manager. I had to hit the ground running but I felt like they accepted me well and I was able to use some skills I acquired while on Recruiting duty for briefings and other public speaking needs.
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SFC Observer   Controller/Trainer (Oc/T)
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SFC Jackson,

I came into the Army with ASIP radio's on hand. I had 20 for my company, but the big change was using the new loading system.
Judging by the fact you didn't know what an ASIP was, I'm guess at that time you were using a small black box for your loading of keys. I'm not going to list names of the products because this in online.

My biggest challenge was figuring out how to use the harris radio's. It seemed impossible to learn.

Anyways, I am happy that Infantry Tactics haven't changed much since the American Revolution. Therefore the ideas that are being taught are the same; I didn't want to go to an armored unit because I've never stepped foot inside of a tank, but I think that Air Assault will accompany my Airborne experience much better.

Good Luck to you in you future endeavors,
SSG Allenbrand
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