Highlighting U.S. Army recruitment efforts in Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The United States Army recruitment efforts in Yuma never end. Two local recruiters share how they were able to accomplish their mission.
The Army Recruiting Center helps qualified young individuals find career paths, learn about the different aspects of the military, and connect them to the right resources if they're interested in joining.
"The benefits, the process, the applications, how long it's going to take, and for those that are actually trying to join the Army, we'll help them achieve their goals," adds Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Rigoberto Montoya Arcega, a U.S. Army Recruiter.
Efforts include visiting local high schools, hosting information booths at job fairs, or simply speaking with locals in our community.
Staff Sergeant Montoya and Staff Sergeant Bernardo Figueroa, also a U.S. Army Recruiter, share some ways they're able to reach potential prospects.
SSGT. Montoya says, "Number one is going to high schools, I'll go down there, my presence is enough. The uniform has a big impact on people, the way they see you, they're like I want to be just like that person over there."
SSGT. Figueroa adds, "I come from a Hispanic background, I'm from San Diego, California. A lot of these high school kids that I talked to, I was in their shoes six years ago, I was 17-years-old, and I didn't know what to do. My favorite part is seeing myself in their shoes."
A big part of the recruitment process is addressing some of the stigmas that may come along with joining the service.
SSGT. Figueroa says, "Clarifying the misconceptions of the Army. Everybody thinks bad things about the military but when they really look at the depths of what we really offer, there more pros than cons… Just showing our face to them and showing them that we care to be there, and we want to help them to progress in their future, that's what we do."
For those interested in joining, the recruiters give their advice.
SSGT. Figueroa says, "If you're unsure of what you want to do and you have questions, come and talk to us. Don't leave any doors closed, open up all the doors and view your options."
SSGT. Montoya adds, "We are not here to yell at you, and we are here to help everyone equally."
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about what the recruitment center has to offer, click here.
