The Commanding General of U.S. Army Accessions joined army commanders from Athens Friday to discuss new recruitment tactics - but with the state of the economy, financial strains might pull ahead as the leading recruiter.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley brought together local commanders from the National Guard, ROTC and Army Reserve for suggestions on ways to bring in more recruits.
I want recruiters to have YouTube
Facebook MySpace Twitter
to utilize social networking, Freakley said.
But since the financial crisis hit, the army ROTC program has already seen an increase in national enrollment.
In 2003, about 4,000 students were enrolled in the program, Freakley said. By 2011, an estimated 5,350 students will be enrolled.
There is always that financially appealing element, said Lt. Col. Bill Hauschild, Ohio University's Army ROTC Battalion Commander.
Money for the ROTC scholarship at OU has also increased from $500,000 in 2007 to $810,000 in 2009.
The ROTC scholarship is the largest that it's ever been
said Maj. John Hanson, the recruiting/admissions officer.
Adam Barber, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering, is a contracted cadet
which means he has received a full-ride scholarship through the army ROTC.
The financial benefits played a major role in his decision to join the program, Barber said.
It's a huge factor because I don't want my parents to pay for my school
said Barber, adding there are other benefits that come with joining the army.
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Laura Service
