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Recruiting Command Pushing Forward

A new Cornell study out this week highlights some of the challenges I faced as a recruiter, and demonstrates how “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” continues to deny our military the qualified men and women it needs in a time of two wars.

Humbly, I think I should let you know my background to discuss military recruiting. This position was one of the most challenging jobs I have ever had because only one percent of Americans are qualified to serve – finding a needle in a haystack is the right cliché to describe it. At the time of my discharge under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2003, I was one of the top recruiters in the Army, had been awarded the Army Gold Recruiting Badge with three sapphire achievement stars during my first year of being assigned and was the distinguished graduate in my recruiting class as well as Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer course. Recruiting was not something I ever imagined myself doing but the Army needed me to do this job since a war had just begun. It proved to be a challenging assignment with many rewards.

To illustrate the challenges a recruiter can face, here’s an example: One of my recruits was 19 years old, on the verge of homelessness, overweight, and without a high school diploma. To enlist he had to complete his education, exercise daily to meet weight standards for entry into service, and have a place to live until he shipped for basic training. It was my job to help him. Today, he is still in the Army having completed several tours in Iraq. He is a proud father and husband. Like this recruit, the recruits I helped enlist are phenomenal people that remain friends to this day.

Much of the discussion about gays serving has been centered on how it will harm the military without any balanced discussion of how we gays can contribute to the recruiting and retention missions. The Cornell study illustrates an interesting component about the growing need to expand the recruiting pool, because many Americans are not eligible to apply. Gays are ready and willing serve, which would expand that pool of possible applicants. To test the theory, I posted a petition for LGBT Americans to sign if they are willing to serve if “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” did not exist. Within 24 hours I had more than 100 people willing to apply for enlistment. This number equals the mission that four Army recruiters would need to achieve for an entire year to be successful.

Recruiting is very challenging and lonely. You spend an average of 17 hours a day with fellow recruiters away from your family making sure you meet your mission. You reach out to strangers discussing your life experience and sharing stories about your military experience. Expanding the recruiting pool is a win for everyone involved, and underscores why the Senate should move this year to repeal DADT once and for all.

10-21-10 By Stacy Vasquez, former Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army |