Reply #38: ... [View All]

[Allenberg]

As an enlisted man, and having worked for military recruiters in the past, let me say that this is primarily an Army problem. A few years back, I was home on a recruiter-assistance program, and I walked into the Army recruiting office dressed as a civillian, and asked about the Air Force, (the branch I'm in). I told him that the Air Force would guarantee me a job in the profession which I chose, and with a nice enlistment bonus. The guy, a Staff Sergeant I believe, told me that it was all a bunch of bull, and that the Air Force would just stick me in any old job they need.

When I told him that I was on active duty for a few years, and that the Air Force paid me my bonus promptly after training and granted my guaranteed job, he was rather aghast. When I explained further that the way the Air Force works, was that they give you job they need if you come in as an open candidate (to one of 4 general fields - General, Mechanical, Electrical and Administrative I believe), he was incredulous.

My experience with Air Force recruiters has been that the policy is to try go get to talk to every kid out there, see if they'll drop a name and number, and give a call once. If the kid refuses, call back a few months later. If he refuses twice, drop him from the call-back rolls.

As far as targeting low-payroll areas, I can't say I'd blame a recruiter. This is where most enlistees come from. I know if my job was to sell beef, I wouldn't try to market my product at a conference of vegetarians. They, like everyone else in the world have a job to do, and they have to go with what works.