What is the recruiting experience like?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:35:09 -0400

I was thinking about taking the recruiting route but no one seems to like it. Could anyone tell me about the experience?

Response by Cpl John Barker made Mar 11 at 2018 7:45 PM

Cpl John Barker — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:45:22 -0400

It's like going into a b billet where you are a salesman and there is no commission, just stress and having to deal with retarded teenagers all day

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 11 at 2018 10:54 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 22:54:20 -0400

36 one month tours. There are good and horrible months. You are a hero to zero over night. and sometimes a zero to hero just the same.

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Mar 11 at 2018 11:55 PM

SPC Brent Melton — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 23:55:25 -0400

There are very few out here who like recruiting, and that covers every branch. I was a test administrator for Columbus Military Entrance Processing Station and worked with recruiters at high schools to administer the ASVAB. The test is about 3 hours long, and leave a lot of time in between sections to talk with the recruiters. Long hours, potential recruits, and a few other issues top the list.

The ones who like it tend to be closer to retirement and figure they can ride it out until that point. They're also generally close to home (usually) and suck it up until its time to get out. I've done this long enough that I've talked with recruiters at the start, middle and end of their time as recruiters.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Mar 12 at 2018 2:00 PM

SFC Adam Potter — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:00:36 -0400

I was a Recruiter/Station Commander and Sr. Guidance Counselor for a total of 15+ years.
Recruiting is very much what you make of it. You shoulder a lot of responsibility for your success. You must be willing to invest a lot of time and effort. If you plan on doing the 3 year tour, prepared to work hard the next 3 years, may have some late nights, early mornings, and you must be flexible!
You are going to experience a lot of rejection, but the people you do enlist make it all worth it.
My experience led me to a great civilian career. It's not for everyone, and as my First Sergeant used to say "It's all about attitude"

Response by MSG Howard Rydolph made Mar 15 at 2018 4:46 PM

MSG Howard Rydolph — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 16:46:03 -0400

I was a Recruiter for 3 years . A thankless job with long hours

Response by 1SG Ben Gibbins made Mar 18 at 2018 8:29 AM

1SG Ben Gibbins — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 08:29:40 -0400

Alot has changed since I was a recruiter. Some for the better, and some well I don't know. I stayed in recruiting for 17 years. Learning the skills if recruiting can improve most other skills. If you only process, well not sure what you will learn. It is a career enhancer, and it is hard work.

Response by SFC Jonathan Barker made Apr 3 at 2018 1:48 PM

SFC Jonathan Barker — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:48:34 -0400

It is good for career progression if you do not want to be a Drill Sergeant. It doesn't matter what anybody else tells tou, being a Recruiter is going to be like the rest of your time in the Army. It is what you make of it. You will have good leaders and toxic ones, long hours but not in the field... I like to compare it to a roller coaster. Some people love them, some hate them. It is based on the person and how you choose to work with the hand that you are dealt.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Apr 4 at 2018 3:36 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:36:07 -0400

Most NCO's do not like recruiting fore the very reason your asking about it. All you hear is the horror stories. Most NCOs do not want to fail. They are stellar in their MOSs. Coming to recruiting is full of intangibles, and things that they can not control....it is a scary proposition...I you believe in yourself and the Army, you will succeed...good luck