New York National Guard Office of the Adjutant General

We are All Recruiters of our Profession

Command Message By Chief Master Sergeant Maureen Dooley,
New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant

Recruitment. It’s a word embedded in our minds as leaders in the New York National Guard. It isn’t there because we are told this is a priority; the thought is there because it is an essential part of our job as leaders. We need to ensure that there will always be members in our ranks to complete the mission safely and effectively! Can we do that if we do not recruit to our fullest capacity?

Our most important asset, in any service, are the members who perform the mission.

We can modernize our weapons systems, build advanced infrastructure and procure every tool necessary to complete a successful mission. But without our members those tools sit still, unused and ineffective. It is our members, our Airmen and our Soldiers that use all this equipment to engage our enemies and defend our nation at home and abroad.

We are all recruiters for our service. We all have to speak with pride and continue to tell our stories to educate the civilian sector about what we do.

It is not the sole responsibility of our Army and Air Guard recruiters to shoulder the job of telling the public about who we are and what we do. It is up to each of us.

Whether full-timers or traditional Guardsmen, we each had, and have, unique experiences which made us decide to make the National Guard a career.

In every one of our civilian communities there are young adults who want purpose in life and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They are just like you were once.

Think back on why you decided to enlist to defend your nation and protect all that live here? Where were you, what made you become interested, what was it that made you decide?

It’s now your turn to tell a new generation of Soldiers and Airmen the same things that made you decide to serve. Remember what sparked your curiosity and led you to become a part of our military team.

Recruiting a new service member should not be a hard or new task, but more a part of our routine day as getting dressed.

The uniform you wear is your biggest recruiting statement. When people see you in it, you are instantly put in a category different from other citizens.

You are trusted, you are respected, you are strong and you make people feel safe. What an opening statement without even saying a word. People will listen to you. So tell our story. Explain why you have made this your way of life; there is an audience waiting to listen to you.

At the same time, you must always be aware that you are also held to a higher standard than civilians. People will recognize you in and out of uniform and will watch your every move.

Just as the uniform opens the door for a dialogue, words and actions which do not uphold the honor of the Army and Air Force can shut that door quickly. You must live the Army and Air Force values.

You must be cognizant of your actions and interactions at all times. You must always hold yourself to the highest of standards. You are the billboard that is present in real life. You are tangible.

Represent yourself and all who came before you with the utmost professionalism. You are the recruiter for your nation. You are the model for all that want to be just like you.

As Guard Airmen and Soldiers we don’t live on a military post. We live side-by-side with our neighbors and friends. We know how service in the Guard may be able to help those neighbors and their children, to change their lives for the better.

Remember the very first time you put on your uniform? Do you remember how proud you were to wear it and how proud you were to be part of the U.S. military?

You should feel that pride again every day, share that pride, and continue to tell that story.

Guard service makes a difference. It can provide a purpose in life, education, and a way to help provide for a family.

Tell people about what the Guard has meant for you and what it could mean for them.

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