The Army has announced that they will test a new Special Recruiter Assistance Program, beginning in May. Under the program, combat soldiers will be given the opportunity to perform funded TDY (Temporary Duty) travel to their home town for a period of 14 to 30 days in order to assist in recruiting efforts. The Army will even pay for the spouse to travel with the soldier.
Participants in the program are also eligible for the Army's Recruit Referral Program. For every recruit the Soldier refers who enlist, complete basic training and graduate Advanced Individual Training (AIT, or job training), the Soldier will receive $2,000.
Under the new program, commands are required to select and screen enlisted Soldiers (in the rank of staff sergeant or below) or officers (captain or below), who have redeployed back from a combat area within the past 7-12 months. They must also meet Army weight standards and be available to return to a designated recruiting battalion, usually in or near their hometown, to assist with recruiting efforts.
Once a command has selected candidates, its selections will be forwarded to the Army Recruiting Command, where they will undergo a screening process. Upon acceptance into the program, Soldiers will be issued funded TDY orders to a designated recruiting station or company for duty (usually in their home town). Soldiers are authorized to take leave in conjuntion with the TDY. They are required to work 40 hours per week for the station or company and use their ability to relate to friends, family and other community members to generate as many recruiting leads and enlistments as possible, during the TDY period..
In addition to recruiting duties, participants will also be asked to discuss the Army with members of the Future Soldier Training Program ( Delayed Enlisted Program ) and speak to organizational groups, the news media and at various recruiting events.
Under the test program, Soldiers are authorized reimbursement for travel expenses and per-diem allowance for the TDY period. Spouses are authorized travel costs only.
After a period of assessment, the Army will review the program and decide whether it should be retained, eliminated, changed, or expanded.
