Slow start..

...to the month. Not one enlistment yet, but got one on the floor Tuesday, a high school junior who is going Infantry, hooah. he is going to do boot this summer and then AIT after he graduates. Great thing about the Guard and reserves is split option. Then he will help me identify his friends that will go in the guard during his senior year. Him being in JROTC is a big help. Got two more to go this month for sure, two JROTC cadets from the same school as the other. that will make five cadets this year from the same school. Trying to get one more so I can have a rockin month since I am takin time off for leave in June.

Recognized!!

Ok, we had this big event going on in town over the last few days, and being the marketing guy for my station, I organized alot of stuff, many displays, manned them, school visits, helped with the national MET team (our mobile event team)and helped with VIP's and such. Big to do around these parts. With exception of the weather it went off without a hitch.

Anyways, one of the MSG's that works for the National marketing praised me to the NGB SGM of R&R (recruiting and retention). Well, he tracked me down and presented me with a very cool coin.



Anyways, I was very pumped about it, I actually earned this coin, wasn't given tome because I was at the right place right time, etc. I like this coin better than my CNGB 3 star coin or my other 3 star coin from a NGB big wig.

Just thought I would gloat for a bit. Now I need to put some soldiers in boots. haven't enlisted anyone since April 10, but I am still ahead of mission, (woohoo). But will probably have 4 in by months end, 3 non prior service and one prior service. That will keep me well ahead so I can enjoy some leave in June.

Hooah!!

Office partner #1

I work with four other NCO's. Like any good office, we all have distinct personalities. This time I will let you all know about my fellow SFC. He is a former marine who converted to the Guard for recruiting. If you have ever seen "Bob" from the Enzyte male enhancement commercials, you have met my partner in crime, "The Gman". He is always smiling, and at first seems fake with his always positive attitude and such, but believe me it is real. He is also the only guy I know who wears the Army issue foliage green underwear. He will not wear any other color in uniform. He is OCD to the max, and it is too funny. When we first combined offices, (they closed his and moved him to mine) he would work every night until no earlier than 7 pm. Big deal right, Usarec usually works more. But if he had nothing to do, had made mission by the 15th, he would still be there. I did break him of that habit, and he is there past 1730 without and appointment coming in, I give him a hard time. I am sure his family appreciates it.

Gman is also the only recruiter I know who can never leave his desk, which he rarely does, never make a cold call, never have his coffee cup less than half full, and still make mission plus every month. Hows he do it? Referrals from inside and outside of the Guard. He used to be in sales before recruiting, and this guy knows everyone! Gotta love him. I can only hope to get that way with COI's and recruit referrals. So in our office Gamn is the "Lead generator from hell" Heck, he's only been to his High school twice this school year, granted has not enlisted a HS kid yet, but he does specialize in the over 40 crowd, usually prior service. It got so "bad" that one unit gave him a walking cane with an label "presented tot he geriatric recruiter of the year! Too funny!!

Look for more in the future of my office mates.

Out like a Lamb, in Like a Lion

That is how I describe the change in recruiting from April to May. I only rolled one for the month of April when it ended Monday, but I am still ahead for the year. But I have 3 committed ready to roll next week. Do not foresee any issues, and I have been doing this long enough I, rarely lose anyone at MEPS anymore. My goal is for this month, which will have me set year to date up until July. Nice thing to be ahead in recruiting.
This week is race week in my town and that means busy busy busy. We do race week a little different than the Army, they have a multi million dollar interactive carnival at the track. They get a billion leads, or so they think. Now don't get me wrong, law of averages, they will get a few enlistments out of it, but the dollars spent per enlistment is huge, and they probably would have most of those anyways. We have our National show car, take it to high schools, show it off and get some leads that way. Like the Army, kids will fill out a lead card just to get free stuff, them Mom yells at us when we call, fun fun. Then we will be by the Army for a display at the race track on race days. Hmm, people will be confused, two Army displays? So I have to come up with a way to set us apart, since we wear the same uniform and all.

Race week overall is fun, lots of leads to filter through and hopefully get that 1% enlistment rate. Plus other benefits are good, pit passes, hopefully tickets to the Busch race, I give Nextel tickets to COI's, pays back big time. Lots of nice looking country girls who love Nascar and soldiers want to show their appreciation, who am I to Say no?

All this and a paycheck, who can complain! Hooah