Sixteen Future Soldiers take the Oath of Enlistment at the National WWII Museum in partnership with the Louisiana Dept. of Education (LDOE) commemorating ‘Constitution Day’, August 2024. (Photo By U.S. Army)
Over 2,000 young men and women across Louisiana, Mississippi and West Tennessee enlisted over the last year helping the Army exceed its accessions mission.
“We exceeded our battalion mission to enlist men and women of high-merit and character from the great states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee into the Army and Army Reserve,” Lt. Col. Nicholas James, Baton Rouge Battalion Commander, said.
The Army has made significant changes in its recruiting practices including focusing on the labor market, using digital job boards, creating a talented acquisition workforce; the Soldier Referral Program, the Future Solider Preparatory Course and empowering local recruiters. The current cash bonus is up to $50K if the applicant qualifies.
“Currently the Army offers several bonuses; $15K to quick ship, up to $45K for civilian acquired skills, and an $8K college credit bonus to name a few,” James said. “How we can incentivize and compensate our Soldiers is a direct reflection of how the Army invests back into local communities.”
A Quick Ship Bonus is given for reporting to Basic Training with 30 days of enlistment for certain jobs; the Civilian Acquired Skills Bonus is offered to enlistees with specific skills based on Army needs, while the College Credit Enlistment Bonus compensates recruits for vocational and/or college credits.
Active-duty Soldiers have resources that make acquiring more education while in service virtually hassle-free; and the Army offers over 150 jobs to appeal to a broad range of people.
“We are grateful to these communities for supporting our Future Soldiers as they take the first steps toward becoming tomorrow’s leaders and making positive change in people’s lives.” James said. “Our Recruiters will continue to share their Army stories, inspire others to serve and connect in their local communities.”
“Our Recruiters are all different and bring new perspectives to their local areas, enabling our young men and women to ‘Be All They Can Be’,” James said. “I am very proud of their hard work and dedication to change lives.”
Soldiers, Veterans and Civilians can support the Army’s recruiting efforts by remembering they are influencers and assisting in local efforts with their recruiters.
For more information about local Soldiers; the Army’s new recruit goals and/or for live or in-studio interview, contact our office at usarmy.knox.usarec.list.3tbn-apa@army.mil or (225) 236-3811.