Military Recruiters and my Kids

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 14:39:34 -0500

I took my 18 y/o nephew to see both AF and Army Recruiters during my recent leave and it got me thinking about a few years when my own kids get old enough for us to explore those options.Has anyone taken their kids (or other younger family members) to a recruiter? Do you let the recuiter know you are/were a member of the military? If so, when in the conversation, and how many details? For those who are/were recruiters, obviously, you can probably tell a serving or former service member, but how does that play in your 'pitch?' What do you prefer, or does it even matter?(I don't want to be dishonest with a recruiter, but I also want to find out the best information for those I take without my service being a distraction.)

Response by CPO Bob Wheeler made Jan 3 at 2014 3:05 PM

CPO Bob Wheeler — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:05:08 -0500

I'm currently recruiting doctors for the Navy here in Baltimore and my son recently joined the Marines (most of my time in Navy Medicine was in Camp Lejeune, so this was not a complete shock). I pretty much let him talk to the recruiter himself and he was cool with letting me know what he said before signing any papers.

One of the best things you can do is to engage the recruiter while your kid is still a junior in HS, that way the recruiter has no incentive to "push him" into anything just to make goal that month. Once you establish a good relationship you can ask point blank about the constraints of the process.

I will say that there are a lot of crazy factors that go into when, where, and how a kid signs up and what MOS he/she gets, etc. These are usually beyond the control of the recruiter. For example, my son signed up a couple of months early than I initially wanted him to, but I knew that the govn't shutdown was going to affect the number of applicants each service could process at MEPS, so he signed up in June vice August.

Introducing yourself as the father who happens to be in the Army is probably better that being the 05 talking to the E5. Especially if your kid joins the Army you could potentially be a great resource for the DEP Pool.

Hope this helps!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 4:09 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:09:21 -0500

Sir,

I was a career recruiter for 10 years (before the new team concept). Most of the recruiters who worked for me as well as my own preference was to be told upfront. That would prompt me to ask the applicant what they knew about the Army so far. What their family member had shared with them. This gave me a better feel for why they were looking at the Army and what their family member's experience was or is like. Children of NCOs was a little easier whereas Officer children sometimes had unrealistic expectations for their children and pushed them to do what they wanted. Having a service member as a family member also provides preferred treatment, what I mean by this is when signing up for a job they could get better jobs due to their connection to the military. Kind of a "take care of our own" thing. This also helps the recruiter find out who the "buyer" is. In other words who has the power to make the decision. Many times kids would come into my office and after a lengthy pitch they would say they needed to go and talk it over with their parents. This was usually a stall tactic. All recruiters like to conduct one interview with all the stakeholders present if possible. It saves time and make the process go more smoothly. I recommend bringing your wife as well. Good luck Sir. Taking your son to a recruiter can be an emotional event.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Jan 4 at 2014 10:43 AM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 10:43:11 -0500

I haven't taken my kid yet as he is only 2.5 years old. But when he turns 17, I do plan on taking him to the recruiters. All branches. Even though I would prefer him joining the Army, I will not push him that route. Want him to be informed what the service can do for him as the Army has done for me.

Like stated by CPO Wheeler, I would introduce myself as a father that is in the Army. Now if conversation leads to asking about my rank, I will not with hold that information from the recruiter, but I will not be using my rank (possibly a MAJ or even a warrant at this time) to get the best for my kid. I am just there for moral support and to help him ask questions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 9:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 21:33:49 -0500

Sir,

As a recruiter stationed in the DC metro area, I deal with people all of the time who are related to, or neighbors of, or friends with people in the military who have influence in their lives. When I initially meet someone it, is one of the first things I ask, not because it is going to change the truth, but because I want to know how I can best assist the applicant with their goals.

A lot of times kids are unsure of what their future will bring. All I want to do is give them the information so they can make an informed decision. Having an "influencer" there who is/was military a lot of times helps us out. The kids trust you, they just met me. When I am telling them about the Army, a lot of times it's the influencer that helps conduct most of the appointment, because they tell their military story. As a recruiter I am trained to tell "My Army Story," but because of what kids see on the internet or hear from tv, they are less likely to have full faith in me without your presence.

Having said the above though, when you find a good recruiter, the story will not change from interview to interview. Facts are facts and the ultimate goal of any great recruiter isn't always putting someone in boots. It's identifying with a person, informing them of their options, and if at the end of the appointment it's the road to their goals, then facilitate the process. If it's not for them then shake hands, thank them for coming and ask them if anyone they know can benefit from the information they were given.

Word of mouth is everything in recruiting. My reputation is at stake with every young person I sit with so upfront, I let them know anything I tell them can be found on goarmy.com or by going to Google. If one can come to work with that attitude everyday, this is a pretty easy job and fun too. I have the greatest job in the military. I get paid to talk about the Army.

SFC Adam J. Rosenlund

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 8:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 08:59:33 -0500

I went with a friend of mine when he was thinking of enlisting (Just pinned SSG with 5 years in at the time), and I kept my profile low with some nice clothing a ballcap so my hair wouldnt show. We sat down with the recruiter and talked for about 30 mins while he pitched various mos's and options and I started to ask questions about each job and duty station. He finally caught on and asked how long I had been in. The recruiter never was once dishonest, but at the same time he wasnt putting out all the info. My buddy ended up not enlisting but he was thankful I was there to give him the other side of the coin.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 10:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 10:23:41 -0500

Sir,
Thank you for posting this. My son is a few years too young yet to enlist but he has already expressed interest in being in the military. I know his mind can change in the next few years, and that is fine with me. If he becomes old enough and still wishes to enlist I definitely want to sit in with him and the recruiter.
Thank you to all who have served as recruiters and have shared your experience here. It is good information to know. It eases my mind a bit about the possibility of one day sitting in the recruiting office of any branch with my son.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 10:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 10:29:14 -0500

Sir -

To be honest as a soon to be career Recruiter everything I tell applicant they can find on google or http://www.goarmy.com. I actually have found at time it helps when a young man or woman has been exposed to the military, that way when we you use common slang or acronyms they are familiar with them and do not just give the deer in the headlights look. Either way it has no real effect on the "pitch". At the end of the day its all about finding out why a young man or woman wants to serve and how the Army will help them reach their goal. The rest is up to them.

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 11:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 11:55:37 -0500

Sir, there's a good AND a bad side to this one! I've been in recruiting for 8 years, so I've come across this countless times. On a good note, as long as the recruiter is honest, you will serve as a validation that everything being told is true. When the recruiter is speaking with your child and sees your head moving up and down in agreement, it will provide extra comfort. Also, as mentioned in another post, your child would, by default, get more of a red carpet treatment. I've always felt a sense of pride in taking special care of SM's children. On the bad side, due to previous experiences as well, information can be conflicting. It usually only happens with retired SM's and their children and/or relatives. But be open to changes in policy and information regarding basic benefits. Sometimes we get parents who want to "show off" that they are in the military also and try and basically conduct the appointment for us. That's not helpful at all. Let the recruiter talk, and only jump in to correct if you KNOW that you're right. Sometimes we can conflict when we're telling an applicant about what goes on in basic training and the parent is like "Well I went to basic in 1982 and it's not like that". Um....ok, it's 2014. We'll be describing AIT barracks and the parent is like "That's not what it's like". Again, it's 2014. So anyways, definitely let us know who you are so we can make sure to give proper respect, and my advice is to be open to the information provided because things change every day!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 12:32 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 12:32:34 -0500

I took my son to the Air Force recruiter during his college Christmas exodus. I basically told the recruiter that I have always told the kids that after growing up in the Army they were going to be smarter and get a good military job in the Air Force and not Infantry or Army cook with the "ranger" option.

The recruiter asked me how long I was in and I told him over 20 and he said cool but do you regret it and I told him not one bit. It definitely set the tone for the visit - not saying recruiters and evil but I definitely went ready to get a job as a computer guy and ended up walking out with Infantry. I know it happens so I was there with him to ensure he got as close to what he wanted.

He did throw the option out that my son stop college, could join now and the AF would pay his current college bill off. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the chair. I told him no way in hell that was happening. I politely told the recruiter he was finishing up his last year then he would join as an Officer. Yes I had to quickly reset the tone and show him how it was going to work. LOL.

Going with your kids is a must. Our kids are so willing to step into our shoes that we need to be there to ensure they aren't getting the short end of the stick. I always tell my kids my life in the Army was hard but great and if they ever chose that route they would be smarter in their decision making process.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 8 at 2014 12:32 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 12:32:52 -0500

I hope recruiters from Germany answer this post as they have the experience with this. All their applicants have military backgrounds and military parents. Funny story. There was a recruiting office at the Heidelberg PX Kasserne next to clothing sales. I didn't realize it was there or would even be there. I had just arrived in Germany (still in the guest house!) and was picking up some items at MCSS when a woman with a crazed look in her eye approached me...you can tell when they're coming for you. She strides up and glances at my ACU rank and exclaims "great! you're an officer!". Now my mind is racing? Was this someone I inadvertently wronged? What am I about to get dragged into?

I recovered quickly. "I am an officer ma'am, how can I help you?". She explained quickly that she had driven from Mainz Kastel with her son. They were at the recruiters office he was going to pull the trigger on enlisting. They needed an officer to administer the oath, NOW. I of course agreed. I asked him one question: are you good with this? He said he was. I swore him in. They called Dad, an NCO deployed in Afghanistan. I often wonder how he fared on his Army journey.

Response by COL Richard Bassett made Feb 10 at 2014 12:13 PM

COL Richard Bassett — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:13:37 -0500

LTC P,

My daughter and son both enlisted, and are currently serving in the Army. My daughter is a lab tech, and my son is an Army Ranger. Their decision to join the Army came as a total surprise to me as they never expressed any desires to join the Army. The first to go was my son. At the time he and I were located across the US from each other. After his initial visit to the recruiter, I asked for his recruiter's name and phone number. I called the recruiter, and identified myself. He said he was expecting my call after my son had told him who his father was. I told the NCO that I had no recruiting experience, and didn't know anything about the process. My only concern was to make sure that my son received the contract he believed he was committing to (join the airborne to learn how to fly came to mind). The recruiter was very professional, and delivered a Ranger contract to my son. I was able to meet and thank the recruiter later when my son shipped to Fort Benning. Oddly enough, about 2 years later, my daughter had the same recruiter, and she and I had the same experience. She got what she wanted. My kids didn't look anywhere else but the Army (apparently my brainwashing was completely successful), so I don't have any experiences with the other services. All in all, two great experiences for me and my Soldiers. Good luck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 4:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:07:44 -0400

Earliest he can join the National Guard is 17 with your permission. I signed my son up when he turned 17. He chose the "split option" where he went to basic training between his junior and senior year and then went to AIT after he graduated HS. Once he has completed basic and AIT, he technically doesn't need or have to have the first 2 years of ROTC so he can focus on his schooling the first 2 years. However, if he wants an ROTC scholarship then depending on the duration (3 year or 2 year) he would obviously have to sign up. Another option would be the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) where he would be in the Guard but instead of an enlisted rank he would be a Cadet and should be treated like an officer. However I believe that the rule is that he can be either SMP or Scholarship but not both. Texas A&M is a good school that has all branches of ROTC (Army, Navy/Marines, Air Force, & Coast Guard).

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 22 at 2014 6:29 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 22 May 2014 18:29:59 -0400

Sir,

I loved when a family member or friend brought someone to me...I could tell them what we had to offer and have them look at you for confirmation. Everyone knows that you can tell when a recruiter is lying because their lips are moving but they trust you...or why would they bring you?
It is your call if you tell them or not. You might not want to let them know you are AD because they are normally pretty young and might get nervous because you are field grade officer? Just let them know you have had some connection with the military. You can always tell when you are dealing with someone miiitary.
We had a DCG come in to our station on leave years ago. He was trying to get an idea of what we 'really' did. Took about 10 seconds to realize he wasn't there to join and not the father of an applicant...he left a couple hours later after sharing too many war stories and not one referral!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 23 at 2014 7:20 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 23 May 2014 07:20:15 -0400

Sir, very good question. I retired in 2006 as a Career Counselor. When my son decided to enlist in 2011, my advise to him was to go on his own (I didn't want the conversation to be between ME and the recruiter.. it was about my son), but I also advised him to inform the recruiter up front that he grew up around the army and that I was a retired Career Counselor. I believe this was the best approach.
All went smoothly for him.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 10:14 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 10:14:25 -0400

I was encouraging our son to join up in order to get his college paid for. He's looking to go into something like a medical research field. However, after spending last year in the combat hospital it's made me reconsider. I don't think he has the mentality to be able to deal with the level and degree of casualties we were often seeing. I'd rather let him take my GI bill money vs him having to see some of that.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made Jul 25 at 2014 7:58 PM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 19:58:07 -0400

My husband an I were both Active Duty and my kids are all Navy Brats. I told my boys from the day one if they chose to go in the Military then they could go into whatever branch they wanted except National Guard or a reserve component. (Nothing wrong with reserves I just think for a young person going active duty then reserves after is more beneficial). I work in the Mall so I see all the recruiters and my son worked with me and they all know I am very Pro Navy. The Navy recruiter spoke with him and they went to the food court and talked, they all also know I spent 4 years recruiting myself. He went to join the last week of May 2012 and to our surprise came home from MEPS and had not joined. There were no more opening for the month they had 10 seats Navy wide and they were taken by the time he got to see the counselor. Well he went back to MEPS wanting to be an Electronics Tech. and came home a Hospital Corpsman!!
Now here is where my recruiting experience kicked in, my son is an Eagle Scout and in the Navy upon enlistment it means you join as an E-3!! His contract said he enlisted as an E-1, his recruiter called me and explained that it was a mistake and he would get it fixed before he went to Boot Camp!! Well by October it had not been fixed he was to leave December 2nd. I explained to that SrCheif that my son would not be going AD if he did not have his contract fixed by the Time he left, and I did not care if he had to discharge him and reenlist him in the delayed entry program but he needed to fix the mistake. Had I just been Mrs. Stiltner no prior military knowledge my son would have gone to Basic as an E-1. I think because they knew I was not just a Navy Vet but also a Prior recruiter they were upfront with me about the mistake on his contract. He did go in as an E-3 !!