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.