This weekend, the Vectren Dayton Air Show provided local military recruiters with the opportunity to put on large-venue demonstrations of their recruiting might.
U.S. Army
The U.S. Army sported the largest demonstration area with three semis, a Rock Band stage, a push-up and pull-up (chin up) competition, as well as a pair of huge interactive simulators. Competitors were able to win t-shirts, carabiners, and other popular swag.
Sgt. Robert Dodge
Sgt. Robert Dodge, formerly a Calvary Scout now manages the Army’s recruiting efforts in the Dayton area. While the US Army supports his recruiting efforts with all the fanfare, booming pop-music, and fighting simulators, Sgt. Dodge states that “the bulk of our recruiting efforts are centered on reaching kids in schools and at football and basketball games”
Sgt. Ashton Carl
Sgt. Ashton Carl, formerly a Foreign Observer now serves as a recruiter out of the US Army office in Trotwood. Sgt. Carl (who recognized me from Get Social on KIT-TV) believes that while the “big show” demonstrates the strength and presence of the US Army, he really likes to work directly with youths that are “interested in finding a rewarding career with the military”.
The Technology of Recruiting
The main sign-up tent for the US Army included interactive computer screens as well as paid teenage staff who responded to questions and helped visitors to the tent. Those interested in what the US Army has to offer completed a brief questionnaire and then if the visitors were from out of town, their results were sent to their local recruiting office for follow-up.
Recruiting Methodology
National volunteer armies across the globe seek out new volunteers through a combination of appeals including war, economic motivation, education, family and friends, politics, and identity as well as psychosocial factors.*
The young men and women attending the Air Show were confronted with opportunities to have fun, compete with others as well as meet with the some of the very heroes currently serving our country. Noticeably absent from the US Army display and recruiting area was anyone over the age of 30. The recruiters and their team were totally approachable and instead of demonstrating what it would be like to be in the Army in 20 years, Sgt. Dodge and Sgt. Carl demonstrated what could be achieved after only a few years of service.
