Staff Sgt. Artyom Solodovnikov, a recruiter assigned to the Schererville Recruiting Station, Chicago Recruiting Battalion, has been named the 3rd Recruiting Brigade’s Recruiting Noncommissioned Officer of the Year following a rigorous competition held at brigade headquarters Aug. 6-7, 2025.
The event tested participants across multiple dimensions of readiness and professionalism, including the Army Combat Fitness Test, a timed ruck march, a formal interview panel composed of senior enlisted leaders from both brigade and battalion levels, and an analysis of mission accomplishment metrics.
Solodovnikov, known as “Solo” among his peers, will now advance to compete at the United States Army Recruiting Division level, where top recruiters from across the nation vie for recognition.
“As an Army recruiter, I can see the direct impact my work has every single day,” Solodovnikov said. “I’ve noticed that many service members can feel disconnected from the bigger picture, but recruiters are different—we’re on the front line of talent acquisition, shaping the backbone of the Army’s future.”
Solodovnikov enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2016 through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. He was born in Uralsk, Kazakhstan, and currently holds the military occupational specialty 79R, Army Recruiter.
Now serving as a deputy station commander, Solodovnikov said he finds fulfillment in problem-solving and team development.
“One of my heroes growing up was Mr. Wolf from ‘Pulp Fiction’—the guy who shows up, assesses the situation, and makes things happen,” he said. “In my own way, I feel the same. Whether it’s finding solutions for my team or providing training, I’m in my element—coffee cup in hand—making sure the mission gets accomplished.”
Solodovnikov attributes his success to two key traits: empathy and confidence.
“Empathy means truly knowing your applicant and connecting with them on a personal level,” he said. “If you’re not listening, or worse—if you’re lying—they will feel it instantly. I believe in building a relationship where I become almost like their best friend, because at the end of the day, most people join because of the recruiter, not just the job itself.”
He added that confidence is essential to effective recruiting.
“If you don’t believe in what you’re offering, you won’t be able to sell it,” he said. “Zig Ziglar talks about this—if someone is selling a car they wouldn’t drive themselves, they’ll never sell it well. A good recruiter owns the job they represent and believes it’s the best career they’ve ever had. That conviction comes through in every conversation.”
Solodovnikov said he values the Army’s emphasis on continuous growth and leadership development.
“Every job I take on, every course I attend, pushes me to be better than I was before,” he said. “The Army teaches leadership and how to inspire and motivate others, and it does so in a way that bonds you with your squad. Training side by side guarantees that both you and your Soldiers grow as individuals and as a team.”
He said competitions like the one he just completed provide an opportunity to sharpen skills and engage with peers who challenge his abilities.
Outside of his professional duties, Solodovnikov enjoys playing guitar and volunteering with local community organizations.
The 3rd Recruiting Brigade’s NCO of the Year competition is held annually to recognize excellence in recruiting and leadership. Winners represent the brigade at the USARD level and serve as role models for their peers across the Army Recruiting Command.