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ENGAGE TREND REPORT 08.10.09
Uncle Sam Wants You - And he's hiring!
First there was Army of One. Then the America's Army recruiting videogame. The latest recruiting technique? Recession.
As the number of jobs across the nation dwindles, more Americans are joining the military, lured by a steady paycheck, benefits and training.
As a rule, when unemployment rates climb, so do military enlistments. In November, the Army recruited 5,605 active-duty soldiers, 6 percent more than its target, and the Army Reserve signed up 3,270 soldiers, 16 percent more than its goal.
The last fiscal year was a banner one for the military, with all active-duty and reserve forces meeting or exceeding their recruitment goals for the first time since 2004, the year that violence in Iraq intensified drastically, Pentagon officials said.
And the trend seems to be accelerating. The Army exceeded its targets each month for October, November and December, bringing in 21,443 new soldiers on active duty and in the reserves.
Recruiters also report that more people are inquiring about joining the military, a trend that could further bolster the ranks. Of the four armed services, the Army has faced the toughest recruiting challenge in recent years because of high casualty rates in Iraq and long deployments overseas.
The economy alone does not account for the military's success in attracting more recruits. The recent decline in violence in Iraq has "also had a positive effect," the Pentagon said.
Another lure is the new G.I. Bill, which will significantly expand education benefits. Beginning this August, service members who spend at least three years on active duty can attend any public college at government expense or apply the payment toward tuition at a private university.
This might mean the end of the recruiting road for Kid Rock.... but that's how it goes when times get tough.
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