With a growing economy - the unemployment rate is the lowest its been since 1969 - potential recruits also have competing job opportunities. More than 70 percent of Americans ages 17 to 24 are ineligible to serve due to health issues, lack of a high school diploma, felony convictions or other reasons. Today's recruiting environment comes with its challenges. The recruiters assigned to that office have enlisted 27 people so far. The goal for the New London office, of which McGale is the supervisor, is 59. The mission is to recruit 700 people in Connecticut this fiscal year, which started Oct.
Over the past year and a half, the Connecticut Army National Guard has bulked up its recruiting force from 32 recruiters to 46. "It's been one of the most fulfilling things I've done in my life," said Penner, who recently enlisted as a combat medic specialist and is starting at the University of Connecticut this fall. McGale, 44, a recruiter with the Guard, calls a female he recruited, Natalie Penner, who just finished basic and who was recently in a similar position, and puts her on speakerphone.
This summer will be her last with friends and family before going away, and she's not sure she wants to spend it at basic training. She's been accepted to several colleges but is also considering military service. 1st Class Justin McGale is pitching the Connecticut Army National Guard to a high school senior who's torn about her future. The event was hosted by the Guard's recruiting and retention battalion.
Junior ROTC students from Crosby, Hillhouse, and New Britain high schools sound off as they warm-up to compete in the inaugural Connecticut Army National Guard Fitness Competition on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Camp Nett in Niantic.
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