10 Soldiers Earn Master Recruiter Badge

Last week 24 Soldiers traveled to Fort Knox to participate in the Master Recruiter Badge competition. After a week of intense testing and preparation, 10 Soldiers emerged as experts in the recruiting field and have earned the Master Recruiter Badge in a ceremony at U.S. Army Recruiting Command headquarters on Dec. 09.

The following Soldiers demonstrated expert knowledge and received the badge:

1^st Recruiting Brigade:

• 1^st Sgt. Andrew Drake
• 1^st Sgt. Matthew Gomes

2^nd Recruiting Brigade:

• 1^st Sgt. Matthew Barnett
• Sgt. 1^st Class Aaron King
• Sgt. 1^st Class Kendra LeShoure

3^rd Recruiting Brigade:

• 1^st Sgt. Judson Ellenburg
• Sgt. 1^st Class James Day

Medical Recruiting Brigade:

• Sgt. 1^st Class Lucas Bartz

Recruiting and Retention College:

• Master Sgt. Katie Boesch
• Sgt. 1^st Class Tom Countryman

In order to earn the coveted award, recruiting NCOs must complete the Master Recruiter Badge Competency Test and execute a hands-on practical exercise.

Soldiers are evaluated in the following areas:

1. A written eligibility examination
2. Development of a plan in support of station operations
3. Process an enlistment application
4. Implement a school recruiting program
5. Conduct prospecting activities
6. Overcome obstacles
7. Conducting an Army interview
8. Conduct the Occupational Physical Assessment Test
9. Lead a Future Soldier (Future Soldier Orientation)
10. Recruiter-centric network examination and community partner event

“I am so proud of each and every one of you, it looks like you have certainly unleashed your superpower,” said Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command. “Now, I need you to help me go out there and crush it.”

The first Master Recruiter Badge competition was held in fiscal year 2014, to this day the command has now certified 94 master recruiters.