The Recruiter

As the perspective of military recruiters is crucial to this topic, I had my questions cleared for Army recruiters by Army Public Affairs. I was able to set up an interview with Sergeant First Class Chad Wasileski, an Army recruiter in the Athens, Ohio recruiting station. As Sgt. Wasileski and I scheduled our meeting over the phone, I thought of the stories I’d heard about recruiters. My younger brother claims that his Navy recruiter lied to him about his G.I. Bill eligibility. On the other hand, my older brother said in his interview (Feb. 28 post) that his Marine Corps recruiter was a “good guy,” with whom he stays in contact. He also said that typically, “recruiters have a stigma of being shady and trying to get you to join, regardless of what they say is the truth or not.” With conflicting stories and the promise that not all recruiters are “shady,” I anticipated this interview with Sgt. Wasileski, eager to meet and question a recruiter myself.

On Friday March 2, I made my way to the Army recruiting station for the interview. Inside the office, I felt out of place in my jeans and t-shirt, surrounded by men in camouflage. Sgt. Wasileski greeted me and showed me into the office of Staff Sergeant Douglas, a recruiter with three years of experience who remained present for my interview with Sgt. Wasileski.

In this interview, I wanted to find out what factors the Army believes impact a recruit’s decision to join. I wanted to know what recruiters initially say to people who show interest in joining. I also wanted to know what questions and concerns people considering the military typically raise to recruiters and I wanted to know how recruiters, specifically Sgt. Wasileski, answer.

Sergeant First Class Chad Wasileski
Sgt. Wasileski has been in the Army for 12 years, but has only been a recruiter for two months. Before being trained as a recruiter, Sgt. Wasileski was an M.O.S. Infantryman. He recently relocated to Athens and has only been recruiting here for 3 weeks.

Photo: Sgt. Wasileski at his desk in the Army recruiting office

“Not knowing the job well is the biggest challenge,” Sgt. Wasileski said of his new recruiter status. “It’s completely different than what I was doing before. As an infantryman, you’re focused on tactics, weapons, and capabilities.”

According to Sgt. Wasileski, recruiting is more of a sales and marketing type job, “I guess more of a business oriented occupation.”

In meeting with Sgt. Wasileski, I had access to a new perspective. As it is his job to interview candidates (as well as advocate) for the Army, I find his point of view interesting, but even more relevant. A summary of some key questions is as follows:


How do you recruit? What channels do you use? “A couple of different methods of locating people: telephone, e-mail, face to face. Really just getting out there.”

What is your initial “spiel?” “Usually when we’re talking it’s just like a friend or a relative trying to find out what they’re interested in. I’m not trying to turn a hard buck. I’m at a point where a promotion isn’t any kind of incentive. Nothing could hurt us more than someone who is not happy with their job. That’s a big deal.”

In your opinion, what do people want to get out of their time in the military? “That’s individually based, but generally a better quality of life, some kind of training or job skill, a steady job, benefits… it’s a package thing.” Staff Sgt. Douglas also commented, saying “usually it’s not just one thing but a combination. Each person is different.” Retirement, a family medical plan and college money are other incentives that influence people.

What reasons give recruits the most cause for hesitation before signing? What do they worry about? “It’s a hard concept to swallow. Before you join you can’t touch it, feel it, see it,” said Sgt. Wasileski. Staff Sgt. Douglas added that “people tell them, ‘oh you don’t want to do that,’ people who have never been in the Army and don’t know [what it’s like].” Staff Sgt. Douglas also cited the media as a factor affecting recruitment, saying “definitely media influence that [has] given us a bad name.”

What misconceptions do people have about the armed services? “17 to 30 year olds are a completely different generation than Vietnam, Korea and WWII. Some folks who know what it was like back then think that the Army will take anyone and that’s not true. Fewer than 3/10 people, [less than 30 percent of the population of the US] are morally, mentally, and physically fit for the Army.” The eligible age, under 42, is another misconception, as many servicemen and women join at a much younger age.

How many people call or come in wanting info every week? “How many people actually sign fluctuates. Based on the local economy, school and seasons.” The Athens office currently has approximately one person sign every week, with between 20 and 30 requesting information.

Have you noticed a diminishing number of interested recruits since the President’s announcement that more troops will be sent over to Iraq for an indefinite period of time? “No, as a matter of fact, I’m surprised. Most don’t talk about Iraq at all. I’ve only had one person ask about it. You’d think it’d be a huge question but it’s not."

What would you say to someone who asks if they’ll be sent over if they join? “‘Probably.’ We’ll break it down according to their job. If they’re a medic…” Sgt. Wasileski stopped. I had told him that my younger brother was in Navy school, studying to become a medic for Marines. “…I say ‘plan for the worst but hope for the best.’”


I had been called out. I was one of those uninformed citizens who thought that almost anyone could join the Army. The fact that less than 30 percent of the U.S. population is, as it was put, “morally, mentally, and physically fit for the Army” was a surprise and encouragement (I like knowing that my security is in the hands of those who are “morally, mentally, and physically” fit).

Sgt. Wasileski's comment on what gives potential recruits cause for hesitation was also interesting: “It’s a hard concept to swallow. Before you join you can’t touch it, feel it, see it.” Upon hearing this, I thought about some of the big decisions I’ve made in my life: where to attend college, where to live and which relationships to pursue. This inability to touch, feel, and see what the consequences of my choices will be has given me cause for seemingly endless deliberations that almost always end in exhaustion and no concrete decision, rather a less than half-assed secession to one side or the other. Changes in life, especially those made deliberately, can be daunting. According to Sgt. Wasileski, the decision to join the service and put one’s life on the line is indeed a “hard concept to swallow.”

A Unique Perspective

It was as if I had cried to the heavens: “Send me the perfect contrast to my last post!”

Last Tusday, I visited Lindley Hall, the building nestled in the heart of campus which houses O.U.’s Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC programs. There I met Cadet Kendra Newman, an Ohio University freshman and fairly recent ROTC addition. She in turn introduced me to Cadet First Lieutenant Laura Simmons, the ROTC cadet who, until a few weeks prior, had been the student in charge of O.U.’s Air Force ROTC recruitment.

This was something I had not expected. When orgininally planning this blog, I was interested in getting the perspectives of recruiters and recruiters. I was not aware that there are “hybrids” like Simmons; relatively recent recruits who are also recruiters. This was an unexpected and very intriguing twist to my exploration.

During my interview with Simmons, she seemed very sure of herself. She was quick to smile, spoke clearly and seemed to have her thoughts well organized. I was struck by how polite and respectful she was. She was truly professional in her demeanor, yet friendly and open to my questions.

Her point of view is in stark contrast to that of my brother’s in a number of ways: she is a female, he is a male; she joined because it had always been an ambition, he joined as a last resort; she recruits new Air Force cadets, and he would not recommend the military but in extreme cases; she could see herself in the service for life, he can’t wait to get out. Without further ado:

Laura Simmons
Simmons is a junior at Ohio University majoring in political science. She has always wanted to be in the military and it was, in fact, her parents who wanted her to go to college.

“My parents wanted me to go to college first so if I got injured I would have something to fall back on.”

Three of Simmons’ four grandparents had been in the armed forces, and it was their influence that inspired her to join.

Photo: Simmons working in the Air Force ROTC wing of Lindley Hall

“I would always listen to them at holidays. It just seemed like a different lifestyle, like they were a part of something good.”

Simmons was assigned to be a recruiter last year because of her proficiency as a communicator and ability to relate to people.

“I have good PR skills and I’m not afraid to speak in front of large groups.”

She also said that females thinking about joining the ROTC program can more easily relate to her than they could to a male.

“If I’m talking with them about ROTC, it’s different than if there is a guy up there,” said Simmons.

In my interview with Simmons, some of my original questions were given new answers:

What traits do recruits have that are unique compared to other civilians? “…probably dedication and commitment. There’s one other thing… I know exactly what it is but I just can’t… hmm. Everyone here is just genuine. The trust factor is huge. If you can’t trust the people around you, everything just falls apart.”

What is it that drives you and others to serve? The “different lifestyle” and being “…a part of something good,” is what attracted Simmons to the military. She went on to say: “…I want to get into politics and have the military background. I’ll know what they [the troops] are going through. I know I’ll be in for more than four years. I could be here for life if I end up liking it.”

Photo: O.U.'s John P. Robbins Squadron was named after the first O.U. AF ROTC memeber to die in WWII. Surrounding the emblem are class paddles, made each year by the graduating AF ROTC class.

I could not, however, get specific answers to my questions concerning the connection between recruitment and the Iraq War. When I asked Simmons if Air Force ROTC recruitment numbers were down since the start of the war in Iraq, she replied “I can’t answer that while I’m in uniform. We have to support what we’ve signed up for.” She was not allowed even to speculate as anything she says may be misconstrued as the position of the U.S. Government. “Ask me when I’m not in uniform.”

“Does this policy deter you from voicing your opinion when you’re not in uniform?” I asked.

“No, I just make sure I say it on a different day.”

She went on to explain that in political science classes, people often watch her and other uniformed cadets, wanting them to comment on controvertial issues (of this staring and expecting, I admit, I am guilty).

I think this "no comment" policy concerning political issues is interesting. If this is not just a tactful suggestion but truly an order, how does it not violate cadet's freedom of speech?

However, the thing that stood out to me most was Simmons’ words on the quality of people in the ROTC. She spoke of the trust factor and how integral it is in relationships between ROTC cadets. Can you trust all of your friends? Can you trust them to have your back? To do what they say they will? Are they genuine? What about the people you work with? Would you describe your coworkers as genuine human beings in whom you place trust? This commitment to welfare of all seems to be a nonexistant trait in many relationships, let alone in the workplace.

Photo: The vest, covered in signaures, drawings and assorted small objects is a class "paddle" made by a recent ROTC graduating class.

Answering Machines and Interviews

The Search
My first efforts toward understanding military recruits were calls to recruiting stations. I called the local Air Force, Army and Navy stations and met my first roadblock: voicemail. I left messages in all three offices.

A few days later, I got a call from Kim Martin of Army Public Affairs in Columbus. She had been contacted by the Army recruitment office in Athens and been told that I was looking for interviews. Before I spoke with any Army recruiters, it was necessary that I clear all questions with her. It was the same with the other branches: before they were able to give interviews, a public affairs representative had to give the “okay.”

Where is the transparency, I have to ask? The branches let their recruiters answer all the questions of potential recruits who are on the verge of signing the next four years of their lives away. Why are my questions different? Why does the question source matter? Is the truth so fragile that a blogging journalist like myself cannot be trusted with its complexity? Regardless, in my quest for information on military recruits, it was time to temporarily revert to plan B.

While the words of recruiters are under great scrutiny, I knew that other service men and women would be at liberty to speak more frankly, with minimal censor. I decided to start with a source that I have known to speak his mind uninhibitedly for a number of years: my older brother, Conor, known as Corporal John C. Curran to his Marine acquaintances. Thanks to the miracle of cell phones, I was able to “interview” him from his station at Marine Corps military base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Conor and I are close; we have been so since high school. In our typical phone conversations, Conor humors me and my melodrama, allowing me to rant on my topics of choice. But this time, we talked about him for the whole 2 hours. By the end of the interview, I had a better understanding of my brother and the reasoning behind his choice to join the military.


Conor
Conor is 23 years old, and has been in the Marines for almost 3 years. Near the end of high school, he gave some thought to joining the military.

“I was looking for a job where I wouldn’t be stuck behind a desk. I took a test for the Navy. But then I went to college.”

Conor dropped out of Brook’s Institute of Photography and years of bad decisions culminated. He reexamined his life. He knew he needed to change the direction in which it was headed. He also knew that nobody could change his life for him.

Photo: Conor, Christmas 2006

“When I started screwing up at college the idea [of joining the military] came back. After college and more screwing up, I decided that getting out of the area and joining the military would be in my best interest.”

Two years and ten months later, Conor is glad that he joined, but eager to get out. He says the experience has changed him. Being in the Marines has taught him about commitment and financial responsibility, and his experience in Iraq has, as he put it, been “enlightening.” When asked how it has been enlightening, he replied: “Pretty much in all aspects of life: the human spirit, politics, religion. It puts about 5-10 years in your brain in about 7 months.”

The following is a compilation of quotes from my interview with Conor, answering the main questions that I put forth in my first entry (I would encourage all readers, especially those who have expressed interest in getting the perspective of a young person in the military on issues like the Iraq War, to read the complete interview which appears at the bottom of the post):

What traits do recruits have that unique compared to other civilians? “They have a stronger desire to change either themselves or the world than most people do.”

What is it that drives you and others to serve? “…money, college opportunities, to change my life for the better and avoid where it was going." "Also, I know a lot of people join because there is still the idea that if they chose the right job they won’t have to go to war, just have a cush job and bring home a paycheck. Not so much in the Marines but some. They think that if they’re a cook or mechanic they’ll be able to avoid seeing the war and still get the benefits of pay, the G.I. Bill, etc.”

Are all recruits driven by the same motives? “There are kind of two pedigrees of guys, and it’s pretty much half and half. The first half is fuck ups that need lifestyle change and approached the military as a last option. The other half have always wanted to be in the military, blah blah blah. Idealistically and romantically. Only about 20% of those joined because they actually believed in the war."

Does the War in Iraq deter potential service people? “No. With most of the guys that join, including myself, we need a lifestyle change so badly that the possibility of war outweighs the direction our lives were headed if we didn’t…”

Why are recruits joining the military now, when the War in Iraq is taking more and more lives? “…there is a kind of For Whom the Bell Tolls, slightly romanticized factor, but most of us have joined for financial or other reasons. We just happened to be in war.”

Photo: Cpl. John "Conor" Curran, atop a Buffalo in Iraq (Credit: Cpl. Gordon, USMC)

Conor’s describing recruits as having “a stronger desire to change themselves or the world,” is one of the things he said that stood out most to me. I want to change myself: my bathroom reading is The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Guide to Etiquette. And I want to change the world: I give blood, donate to charitable organizations and volunteer for a few hours every few months. I do not, however, risk life, happiness, nor even much discomfort to change myself or the world. This all out commitment to change is somewhat inspiring.

Also, in the interview, when asked what advice he would give to a young recruit, Conor replied: “I’d just ask if he’s ready to not have control of his life for the next four years.” This also resonated with me and my “college student” side. I have friends who have gone their whole college “careers” without having classes before noon or on Fridays (how they did it, I’ll never know). As students, we schedule classes only to drop them later. We join clubs and organizations, try them for a month and decide “it’s not for me.” We go home on weekends, party on weeknights and show up to class hung over, chugging from Nalgenes in our pajamas. If college were a job, too many of us would have been fired long ago. We live life at our convenience and we have ultimate control: our schedules, who we live with, what we wear. From my interview with Conor, it’s obvious that these luxuries are not to be taken for granted.

Complete Interview with Cpl. John C. Curran, USMC
February 22, 2007

Name: John Conor Curran
Age: 23
Location: Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Length of time in service: Two years, 10 months
Why did you sign up? Let’s see… Money, college opportunities, to change my life for the better and avoid where it was going.
Has it changed your life for the better? It has. Yea.
How so? It took me away from bad situations at home and taught me financial discipline and just… taught me things like commitment to a job. Many things people don’t have anymore.
Who was your recruitment officer? Staff Sergeant Patterson.
What did he tell you about the Marines? The Marine Corps is different than the other branches. They’ve [the Marines] got a reputation for being a tougher branch. Most people [recruits] already have their minds made up. He [Staff Sgt. Patterson] was helpful in choosing a job for me. If you show interest, they try to keep your interest.
What did you think of him? I liked him. He’s a good guy. Recruiters have a stigma of being shady and trying to get you to join, regardless of what they say is the truth or not, but he was a good guy.
Where you nervous about any aspects of joining? Yea, Marine Corps Boot Camp horror stories have made it out into the public… Like what’s that Vietnam movie?
Full Metal Jacket? Yea.
Do you think about politics/foreign policy/world news often? Yea.
When thinking about joining the military, did you think about the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq? No, I mean there is a kind of “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” slightly romanticized factor, but most of us have joined for financial or other reasons. We just happened to be in war.
So the war wasn’t any kind of deterrent for you when you were thinking about joining? No. With most of the guys that join, including myself, we need a lifestyle change so badly that the possibility of war outweighs the direction our lives were headed if we didn’t…
Considering that you’ve been there, this is kind of a stupid question, but you think a bout the situation in Iraq often? Yea.
When you think about it, how do you feel? From the beginning, I’ve never agreed with the war in Iraq so I don’t like it, naturally. I don’t know.
Any opinions? Thoughts? It was ridiculous to begin with and it’s not been handled well. It’s going to be tough to end and hard to win if we do, indeed, try to “win” it. We haven’t been handling relations with Iran well either. Basically, our leaders haven’t been doing a good job. I suppose you could call me a sellout. I’d rather not be a junky.
Do you want to say anything about your personal experience in Iraq? It’s enlightening…
How so? Pretty much in all aspects of life: the human spirit, politics, religion. It puts about 5-10 years in your brain in about 7 months. I’d like to expand on that more, but it’d take me a long, long, long, long, long time to do, so…
What do you think about most when you’re over there? Yea, I think most of the time I try to switch to a more shallow existence, just because dwelling on somewhere like home when you’re there can flat out be dangerous. Your mind needs to be in the present situation. I try to be superficial about most things as a coping, well, a preventative coping mechanism.
Do you have friends in the military? Uh, yea. Pretty much the only friends I have anymore.
Are these friends different than the friends you had before you were in the military?
Yea, for the most part. I mean, I keep to myself more here. There is a different quality of people in the military. But still, I’m friends with a lot of good guys. Different guys but good guys.
How are they different? Oh, just politically. And none of them would fall into the “artistic” clique that I would fall into back home.
So how are people in the military different from civilians? There are kind of two pedigrees of guys, and it’s pretty much half and half. The first half is fuck ups that need lifestyle change and approached the military as a last option. The other half have always wanted to be in the military, blah blah blah. Idealistically and romantically. Only about 20% of those joined because they actually believed in the war.
How did your parents feel when you joined the military? I believe they were proud that I was manning up to some of my debt and bad decisions by joining the military. Naturally they were concerned because of the war; concerned yet proud.
Do civilians treat you differently? What do you mean?
Well, when you’re home or off base and around people who aren’t in the military, do you find that they treat you differently than they would if you weren’t in the military? Yea, every now and then I’ll get an asshole that’s upset with me for being in the military. But for the most part, everyone is pretty nice and supportive, trying to make sure that what happened in Vietnam doesn’t happen again. They understand that lower class citizens don’t necessarily have a way out except for the military so usually, everyone is pretty supportive.
Just to get this straight, are you saying, by relation, I’m a low class girl? No.
Good. Are you glad you joined? Yea, it’s helped. It’s definitely… I’ve disciplined myself, I’ll be able to go to college. It’s shown me things. I’ve traveled. I’m definitely coming out a better person
Would you recommend the military? Umm… (pause)… yea, I suppose. Yea, only in certain instances when someone’s stuck and wasting life away.
But it’s not good for anyone else? It could be, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I wouldn’t put my name on it. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for someone regretting the next four years of their life
Would you ever be a recruiter? No.
What traits do recruiters have that make them fit to be recruiters? Most of them plan a career in the military in the first place, which I don’t. A lot of them develop a moral standoff to advance at their job. There are many not so good recruiters who will do what they have to to get someone to enlist because they have certain quotas to fill to get promoted and stay in good standing and whatnot.
So if you came across a fresh faced young guy who was excited to join, what advice would you give him? I’d just ask if he’s ready to not have control of his life for the next four years.
Is there any advice you wish you’d have gotten from your recruiter or anyone else? No, not really. The past three years have been a huge process of learning for myself, and I think most military recruiters know that. It’s a discovery process. Advice could hinder a lesson better learned through experience
Do you have contact with women troops? I did at my last station. But I’m basic Marine Corps infantry and that’s one of the few remaining areas where women are not allowed in the service
Do you have any advice for women wanting to join the military? Don’t be sluts.
Will you remain in the military after your required four years are up? No.
What are you going to do? Live a life of freedom that I’ll thoroughly enjoy.
Freedom as in freedom from the military, or freedom as in “it’s a free country and I paid for it, damn it?” Freedom from being in the military.
How’s your girlfriend? She’s fine.
How often are you able to see her? Not often. In the past two years, I’ve seen her for maybe 60 days.
That sucks. Yea.
Where were you stationed in Iraq? Camp Al Taqaddum.
How long were you there? Seven months.
Are you going back to Iraq? Yes.
When? In April.
For how long? Seven months. Well, actually, “unknown.”
Why unknown? Because with the recent troop surge, they’ve been keeping troops there for extended periods. Whether that will apply to us we have yet to find out.
How did you feel when you heard about the surge? I thought it was a futile effort, but I was going back in September anyway. So basically I was unaffected. But this way I will have time to put my life in order when I come back before being a civilian again.
When was the first time you seriously considered joining the military? At the end of high school I entertained the idea slightly. I was looking for a job where I wouldn’t be stuck behind a desk. I took a test for the Navy. But then I went to college. When I started screwing up at college the idea came back. After college and more screwing up, I decided that getting out of the area and joining the military would be in my best interest.
Well, I don’t have any more questions. Is there anything you want to say? Let’s see, I’m looking at your blog… Oh. Also, I know a lot of people join because there is still the idea that if they chose the right job they won’t have to go to war, just have a cush job and bring home a paycheck. Not so much in the Marines but some. They think that if they’re a cook or mechanic they’ll be able to avoid seeing the war and still get the benefits of pay, the G.I. Bill, etc.
Have you known Marines like that? Yea.
Have you seen their rude awakenings? Yea, I’ve seen people desert. Yea, I’ve seen it. I’ve seen people that have been over there a couple of times and are pretty close to refusing to go back.
Do you think that’s a result of just not wanting to get their hands dirty? I mean, everyone knows that death is a high possibility in active military. Or is it something else… like not wanting to go back because they did not really understanding what the job entails when they signed up? I think you’ve got it; I think it’s a combination of both. A lot of them don’t want to die. Most people are removed from the fact that they could die until they go over there and experience something close.
Alright, I have a few more, kind of off topic questions… What’s your favorite movie? Oh… probably Lock, Stock [and Two Smoking Barrels]
Did you know that they’re making a “Boondock Saints Two?” That’s dumb.
I know. What’s your favorite book? Right now I’ll say Lolita. The style that the author uses is really good.
Oh my gosh, have you seen the movie, Lolita? No.
It’s insane. It’s so funny. It’s unique. But I can imagine that the book would be better. Yea, the way Nabokov uses the nuances of the English language…
What’s your favorite Website? Pitchforkmedia.com.
What’s that? It’s a music website for independent label bands
Where do you get your news? The Drudge Report. Drudgereport.com.
Why? It’s really fast to know and post stuff. They use Reuters and have links to other accredited sites. His main sources for accredited news are Reuters, AP, and New York Times, etc.
What is your favorite band? This is tough
Yea, because you’re a music whore. Currently a lot of Kingston Trio and Irish Rovers. But I always come back to Modest Mouse.
Alright, thanks. You’re done with me?
I guess, I don’t have any more questions! Wait, I’m reading your first post again… let me see… You ask “what do recruits have that’s unique.” They have a stronger desire to change either themselves or the world than most people do.
What do you think of people who sign up then refuse to go to war? I can definitely see that they weren’t expecting it. I might be slightly old fashioned but that’s kind of cowardly. But I mean, if they don’t believe in war, I understand.
You also ask about people signing up during war.
Yea, we kind of talked about that. Does war deter potential service people? Not mostly. Most are lower class and in need of change. I know that the army has lowered their standards to keep recruitment numbers up.
So they’re lowering their standards so they can make their quotas? Yea. They’re [the military] is having trouble holding onto military members for reenlistment. Many don’t want to because they’re sick of being thrown around. The Marine Corps just started offering a $10,000 reenlistment bonus, regardless of job. They’ve [the military] also created special programs like two years of active duty instead of four, like Andrew [our brother]. He’s doing 15 months out of [training] school.
A few days ago I watched some slideshows on the MSNBC website. I was in the library and I started crying when I was watching one that had pictures of wounded soldiers receiving medical treatment. It was really intense. Anyway, there was also a photo of a translator. The caption read that he had to keep his face covered when he was doing his job or insurgents would come after him and his family. Yea, one of our translators got whacked. He went home on vacation. They found out what he was doing and he is no more.
So he was an Iraqi who speaks English? Yea, a lot of them are.
Why are Iraqis working with our troops? A lot of them are part of the Iraqi army which is working with our military over there. It’s not trench versus trench over there. Front lines come and go and disappear. We need translators to keep up good relations. We need to have good relations with the Iraqi people.

Questions...

On January 10, 2007 President Bush announced a “troop surge.” My stomach dropped.

Since my older brother joined the Marine Corps in 2003, the international actions of the U.S. government have gripped my attention. The War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq are constant reminders that events taking place thousands of miles away, across an ocean, a continent, a sea and a desert affect my life in the most profound way.

Last fall, three years into the War in Iraq, my younger brother followed our older brother’s lead and joined the military as a Navy Seaman. Soon after he completed basic training, President Bush announced the troop surge of more than 20,000 additional men and women who would be sent to Iraq in the coming months.

My first thoughts on the surge were of my brothers: my two best friends. I hoped that they would be kept out of harm’s way, that somehow they could avoid Iraq. But in hoping for their safety I was also frustrated. They knew things were bad. Why did they join the military during war?

With efforts in Iraq prematurely declared a success upon the December 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein and the number of fatalities rising daily, it's hard to believe that anyone, let alone two smart, talented guys like my brothers, would willingly risk life to participate in a brutal, controversial, seemingly endless war. Photographs, news reports and war footage have painted a clear picture of U.S. military life in Iraq: an existence full of uncertainty, death and longing for home.

Despite my lack of understanding, my brothers along with thousand of others have recently chosen to join the U.S. military. There is no draft, no laws that require anyone to serve and yet they enlist.

What drives a person to join the military, especially during times of war? This question is not rhetorical. With 2.6 million men and women in our active and reserve military, this is an issue that touches the countless who respect and care for those serving in the armed forces.

In an effort to better understand my brothers and those who have recently given up the familiarities of civilian life in exchange for a uniform and temporary address, I have decided to explore military recruitment: the process and the people, namely the recruiters and recruits. Over the course of my posts, I hope to find answers to my questions regarding military recruitment, including: What traits do recruits have that unique compared to other civilians? What is it that drives them to serve? Are all recruits driven by the same motives? How do recruiters do their jobs? Does the War in Iraq deter potential service people? And ultimately, why are recruits joining the military now, when the War in Iraq is taking more and more lives?