FORT KNOX, Ky. –
This week 49 Soldiers from across the country traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to participate in the Master Recruiter Badge competition. After a week of intense testing and preparation, 17 Soldiers emerged as experts in the recruiting field and earned the Master Recruiter Badge in a ceremony at U.S. Army Recruiting Command headquarters, Dec. 13.
The following Soldiers demonstrated expert knowledge and received the badge:
1st Recruiting Brigade:
Staff Sgt. Lauren Slack
Staff Sgt. Brady Slack
2nd Recruiting Brigade:
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Crump
1st Sgt. Noe Tapia
Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Hall
Sgt. 1st Class Rebekah Gray
5th Recruiting Brigade:
Master Sgt. David Reilly
6th Recruiting Brigade:
1st Sgt. Kenneth Olsen
Staff Sgt. Alexander Ashbury
Sgt. 1st Class Garrison Colston
Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Carey
Recruiting and Retention College:
Master Sgt. Christopher Moore
Master Sgt. Jackson White
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Swiger
Sgt. 1st Class Erik Newton
Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Tuner
Headquarters, USAREC
Sgt. 1st Class Raul Martinez-Valencia
To earn the coveted award, recruiting noncommissioned officers must complete the Master Recruiter Badge competency test and execute a hands-on practical exercise.
Soldiers are evaluated in the following areas:
- A written eligibility examination
- Development of a plan in support of station operations
- Process an enlistment application
- Implement a school recruiting program
- Conduct prospecting activities
- Overcome obstacles
- Conduct an Army interview
- Conduct the Occupational Physical Assessment Test
- Lead a future Soldier (Future Soldier Orientation)
- Recruiter-centric network examination and community partner event
“Hold your head high. You are the one percent within USAREC,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Shade Munday, USAREC command sergeant major. “Go out there and be lethal for the organization. Find your replacement by investing in one of the young men and women to come and compete for the badge.”
The first Master Recruiter Badge competition was held in fiscal year 2014. To this day, the command has now certified 132 master recruiters.