What advice do you have for someone who is looking to drop a recruiter packet as an E-5?

2021-08-14T18:46:12-04:00

Also can company /BN leadership stop me from dropping a recruiter packet

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 14 at 2021 9:20 PM

2021-08-14T21:20:00-04:00

They can't stop you, but they can say no to it . It still has to go forward though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2021 5:57 AM

2021-08-15T05:57:20-04:00

Nobody can stop you from emailing your packet to HRC, but since you need a Commander's interview with your Battalion Commander for your packet, you probably will not get accepted. But then again, if you're a SGT in your unit and your Commanders dislike you enough to block your recruiting packet, you need to reevaluate your professional life choices. Of course, if you're not promotable it won't matter anyway, branches usually won't touch you till you're at least promotable.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 15 at 2021 8:57 AM

2021-08-15T08:57:59-04:00

I would first ask how long you have been an E5 and have you fully qualified? If you have less than 24 months TIG now recruiting may hurt more than it helps. Specialty assignments are great for the Army, and great for the individuals who excel, other than that it is a dog eat dog world out there. Recruiters compete with corporations, schools and a multitude of other opportunities. It is not easy. Seek an office call with your CSM, glean his advice as he or she can review your background, current performance and gage your ability to excel in that environment.

As for the Battalions ability to stop a packet, there are a few ways they can do it. That is why you should ask for the office call with the CSM.

Response by SSG William Cintron made Aug 17 at 2021 4:59 AM

2021-08-17T04:59:23-04:00

As a former recruiter assuming nothing has change, no one can stop a packet. They can act as if they don't want to help or play games. Once you submit the packet and USAREC takes it and approves it that's it. You'll be getting orders soon. No one can stop it. USAREC always NEED recruiters. I was an E5 when I submited mine. Some people were not happy with it but couldn't do anything about it. Having said that, it will be probably the hardest job you'll do in the Army (in any branch for that matter). There's a ton of stress pressure and threats. Yes, threats for not putting people in. If you're married it's going to be though. Looong hours, working weekends and better be producing enlistments (easier said than done). Find and talk to former recruiters and ask them about the job - and take their word. Not trying to discourage you, just telling you how it is. After getting out I remained in the same town I recruited. I visited the station just to talk to my old buddies and asked a new recruiter how did he liked recruiting. He responded "I'll rather be back in Irak than doing this." Honest to God.

Response by SFC Allan Silberstein made Aug 17 at 2021 2:17 PM

2021-08-17T14:17:08-04:00

Understand what Recruiting is! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me! I I spent over 20 years in this Command!

Response by SSG Oscar Medina made Aug 19 at 2021 9:07 AM

2021-08-19T09:07:05-04:00

If you want to do it drop the packet if the command don’t want you to go all they can do is sign and right there comments stating they don’t recommend but the packet has to go up and if it doesn’t then you have a fight but like I said packets has to go up to DA regardless of approval or not

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 29 at 2022 7:48 AM

2022-11-29T07:48:51-05:00

Extend your right hand as far as possible. Slap your own face as hard as you can. Repeat until the idea of recruiting is no longer in your brain housing group.
All kidding aside, I hated it. But it helped me put on that second rocker.
If you have a certain area in mind, reach out to the Recruiter Instructor (or the Army's version of that role) and lay some groundwork. In my opinion, you don't want to go anywhere too close to home.