The Influencers
The war in Iraq and the improving economy are making it difficult to recruit for the ground forces. MOAA has partnered with Army recruiting to help influence youth.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

We’ve seen the headlines and read the stories: “Army Still Behind in Recruiting: The active-duty Army is forecast to miss its recruiting targets again in March and April, as the prospect of combat-zone deployments in Iraq discourages American youths—and adults who advise them—from considering military service” (The Washington Post, March 24, 2005).

The reserve recruiting environment is even more challenging, because the nation now demands more of its reserve soldiers. The National Guard and Reserve had 184,247 members on active duty in support of partial mobilization as of March 23. To deepen the pool, the Army recently raised the maximum enlistment age from 34 to 39 for the National Guard and Army Reserve.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Marine Corps also failed to attain its contract missions for January and February. But at press time, it was confident of meeting its 2005 goal. The other services expect to reach their goals this year.

One of MOAA’s core missions is to foster a strong national defense. To this end, MOAA has advocated an increase in Army end strength and the resources needed for recruiting and training. MOAA also has established a unique partnership with Army recruiting. On Jan. 3, MOAA President Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., and Maj. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to achieve the Army’s recruiting goals.

How can MOAA, an association primarily of retired officers, help the Army recruit? The answer is that the decision to serve in the military is a function not only of the attitude of American youth but also that of the adults who advise them—the “influencers.”

Who are the influencers? Rochelle says they are “... parents, aunts, uncles, school teachers, clergy, and others who influence young people with respect to military service. They are the ones we are most challenged right now to communicate with.”

Guess what? We are the influencers! MOAA members can play a key role in recruiting. We can demonstrate the values of military service, and we can advise youth who are considering such service.
This month’s cover story introduces the Army’s top recruiter. On page 46, Rochelle discusses today’s recruiting issues and how the Army plans to meet the challenge. He also reaches out to MOAA members for support. We are partners on the Army recruiting team. We are the influencers.