Army leaders said retaining recruits would entail significant investments in quality-of-life programs. Image: DCStockPhotography/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffArmy civilian leaders stress that taking care of individual soldiers and their families remains a top priority. Enhancing recruitment incentives looms large as well, Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth and Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee in a joint statement during a May 2 hearing.
Even as recruiting remains a challenge, the two promised the panel that the service will not lower standards simply to attract young people to become soldiers. Rather, they said, the Army is embarking on an initiative to “invest in America’s young people” so that they meet expectations all soldiers must meet.
Changes include establishment of a recruiting task force that would address recruiter management, awareness, marketing and availability of new recruits. The plan also calls for improving the way recruiters are selected and trained. The service has identified 15 large metropolises for focused recruiting campaigns as well.
Wormuth and McConville acknowledged that retaining those recruits would entail significant investments in quality-of-life programs such as improved barracks and housing, childcare, spouse employment and health care.
“The Army supports DoD’s [the Defense Department’s] continuous assessment of Basic Allowance for Housing [BAH] rates, ensuring military paychecks keep pace with market conditions across the country,” the joint statement said. “With congressional support, the Army has expanded on- and off-post childcare options by increasing staff compensation and benefits, investing in facilities, growing family childcare, and extending hours,” they added.
Emphasizing the commitment to spouse employment, they said, “We remain committed to improving spouse employment and career opportunities. When spouses are satisfied with their careers, employment options, access to services, and overall quality of life, they are far more likely to support their soldier’s continued service.”
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