The Army Corps’ New York District provided a floating venue for one of several of the Army’s National Hiring Days, an all-Army effort to inspire individuals across the nation to consider military service.
THREE-DAY HIRING EVENT
As part of the three-day hiring event, Army leaders and recruiters across America encouraged individuals to explore the Army’s potential career paths.
One such event was conducted aboard the Corps vessel HAYWARD July 2. With the Statue of Liberty in the background, one dozen future Soldiers from New York and New Jersey were sworn in to serve their country sailing in New York Harbor, just in time for Independence Day.
DIVISION COMMANDER
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division, and Mr. Steve Castleton, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army hosted the enlistment ceremony in support of the first Army National Hiring Day, a nationwide virtual hiring campaign from June 30 to July 2 with a goal of recruiting 10,000 new Soldiers serving in 150 occupations.
“You could look no farther than the Javits Center [New York City] to see the positive impact our Army has on this community,” Milhorn said. “Many people might not realize the Army is comprised of more than combat arms ̶ there are more than 150 different occupational specialties to choose from ranging from infantry and armor to linguistics specialists and engineers.”
NATIONWIDE INITIATIVE
Nationwide, the three-day hiring event included Army leaders, operational units, recruiters and community partners across America encouraging individuals to explore Army’ career paths ranging from traditional combat roles to support positions in logistics, engineering and technology. They’re highlighting the benefits of military service including health insurance, retirement plans, training and education opportunities and family support programs.
As New York commits their sons and daughters to the U.S. Army, the Army has demonstrated its commitment to the community by sending its active duty, reserve, and National Guard Soldiers to work across our communities to help confront the COVID-19 crisis.
ENLISTMENT BONUS
The U.S. Army is offering a $2,000 enlistment bonus to qualified applicants who sign up during the recruitment effort. Depending on the occupation selected, length of service contract and basic training ship dates, individuals could also qualify for up to $40,000 in bonuses or $65,000 in student loan repayment. Other benefits of an active-duty career include healthcare for the soldier and family, opportunity to live and work overseas, 30 days paid vacation each year and a retirement savings package.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To become an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army, individuals must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 17-34 years old, achieve a minimum score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, meet medical, moral and physical requirements, and be a high school graduate or equivalent.