Posted on 03/27/2008 8:58:05 AM PDT by PatrioticMarineMom
| WESTMINSTER, MD RECRUITER APPRECIATION FReep - AAR | ||
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BACKGROUND ON MILITARY RECRUITMENT
taken from Wikipedia
Prior to the outbreak of WWI, military recruitment in the US was conducted primarily by individual states. Upon entering the war, however, the need for a large and quickly mobilized military shifted the responsibility to the federal government.
The increased emphasis on a national effort was reflected in WWI recruitment methods. Peter A. Padilla and Mary Riege Laner define six basic appeals to these recruitment campaigns: patriotism, job/career/education, adventure/challenge, social status, travel, and miscellaneous. Between 1915 and 1918, 42% of all army recruitment posters were themed primarily by patriotism. And though other themes - such as adventure and greater social status - would play an increased role during WWI recruitment, appeals to serve one's country remained the dominant selling point.
After WWII, military recruitment shifted significantly. With no war calling men and women to duty, the United States refocused its recruitment efforts to present the military as a career option, and as a means of achieving a higher education. A large majority - 55% - of all recruitment posters would serve this end. And though peacetime would not last, factors such as the move to an all-volunteer military would ultimately keep career-oriented recruitment efforts in place.
On February 20, 1970, the President's Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Force unanimously agreed that the United States would be best served by an all-volunteer military. In supporting this recommendation, the committee noted that recruitment efforts would have to be intensified, as new enlistees would need to be convinced rather than conscripted. Much like the post-WWII era, these new campaigns would require an emphasis in job opportunity. As such, the committee recommended "improved basic compensation and conditions of service, proficiency pay, and accelerated promotions for the highly skilled to make military career opportunities more attractive." These new directives were to be combined with "an intensive recruiting effort." Finalized in mid-1973, the recruitment of a "professional" military was met with success. In 1975 and 1976, military enlistments exceeded expectations, with over 365,000 men and women entering the military. Though this may, in part, have been the result of a lack of civilian jobs during the recession, it nevertheless stands to underline the ways in which recruiting efforts responded to the circumstances of the time.
Indeed, recommendations made by the President's Commission continue to work in present-day recruitment efforts. Understanding the need for greater individual incentive, the US military has re-packaged the benefits of the GI bill. Though originally intended as compensation for service, the bill is now seen as a recruiting tool. Today, the GI Bill is "no longer a reward for service rendered, but an inducement to serve and has become a significant part of recruiters' pitches
Due to all the recent debauchery at recruiting stations around the country a suggestion was made that we all take the time to let our local recruiters know how much we appreciate them. I thought this was a splendid idea and decided to take action (I had no idea GoE did this nationally in April when I planned this!). I must admit I know the Marine Recruiters very well. SSSgt. Waugh recruited my son Joshua and CPL Artuso is involved with the local chapter of Young Marines of which my youngest son, Adam, is a member.
On March 26, 2008 I showed up at the Westminster recruiting station with as much pride as any military mom could muster and began the official 'WESTMINSTER MD RECRUITER APPRECIATION DAY' festivities. I do believe this is the first time I've ever seen these particular men in uniform speechless. HHmmm... I think there just may be a commercial in this:
Cake for recruiters: $30
Drinks to wash down cake: $10
Balloons just for fun: $20
America's finest left speechless:
I'm pleased to report my efforts were much appreciated. All the different branches recruiters seemed to enjoy themselves.
BELOW: The Cake 
BELOW: SSGT Jeremy Waugh and SSGT TiJane Harris 
BELOW: PVT Sheckels and CPL Artuso 
BELOW:AIC Ryan Rayner USAF and AA William Kelch USN 
BELOW:SSG Chad Wright ARMY and our very own Trooprally! 
BELOW:PatrioticMarineMom (ME!) and SSGT Waugh 
BELOW:Trooprally getting his sugar fix for the day! 
Others who are not pictured: ARMY - SSG Jeremy Paules, SGT Joseph Schultz, SSG James Varano and SGT Jeremy Tingley. Rockermom2myhero and her son Chris were also in attendance... how did I miss getting a picture of the two of you???
When asked what these recruiters thought of the recent attacks on recruiting stations around the country the common response was..."Idiots... all of them!" SSGT Waugh, being the most outspoken of the bunch, would love to see any moonbat get close to his station... According to him he is a U.S. Marine and authorized to use it! I also asked these fine men what the best part of their job was. They all had the same answer - Seeing Patriotism in the younger generation. They know they are making a difference in the world. The worst part of their jobs??? PARENTS! The recruiters just can't believe how difficult they can be.
A very special THANK YOU to these men and women in uniform. Their jobs are not easy and we appreciate all they do.
***A special congratulations to Staff Sgt. Waugh and his wife on the arrival of their daughter, Alyssa, who made her grand appearance on March 11, 2008.***
Looking forward for the GoE’s National Recruiter Appreciation Day this spring. Might not be able to make it to Westminster since the D.C. Chapter has several to plan for.
Yep, you owe your best friend & FReeper and her son, your Marine son's best friend, real BIG time.
[Mr] T
D.C. Chapter Master Ping
Spring is coming, flowers are blooming and the recruiters are being appreciated.
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Easy on the cookies.
A REALLY BIG THANK YOU to BufordP for helping with my VERY rusty html coding. He was extremely tolerant.
THANK YOU BufordP!!!!!!!!
God bless you for doing that! I took pizza over to a local Army recruiting station last year. They were blown away. It made me feel really good. Just the other day, I was thinking it was about time.
So glad that you happened to be in the area for the day to join us! My hero and I were in very good company for the day. Another wonderful memory to add to our already big collection since we met you guys in October. It’s nice to be taking action instead of all talk! Thanks for showing us the ropes.
I wasn’t able to see the pics until I got home. Looking at that spread - that was a very nice thing you did for those guys!
WTH is Mr T doing eating their cookies?!
LOL. I was thinking the same thing, Buford. He’s munching down on the recruiter’s cookies. He outed himself as a sugarholic.
Oh, and kudos to you Mom. That was a really GOOD thing you did. Great report too. Love the pics of those handsome guys (the recruiters, not the guy on the floor eating the cookies).
Excellent, thanks and God Bless you all!
I'M SORRY!!!!
[Mr] Twooooopwaaaally
Pwease see Wost No. 15
[Mr] Twooooopwaaaally
I just hope you left some for others.
AWWWWWW come on guys.... give Troop a break. He’s correct... I didn’t feed him prior and they were really good cookies. They just made him a little sweeter!
Thank You! A great time was had by all. It’s a great group of guys in that office.
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