POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

Live Mic: Army recruiting 10,000 new soldiers during three-day event

Jul 2, 2020, 9:28 AM | Updated: 9:28 am

medal of honor iraq war vet army recruiting...

FILE: President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to former Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, making him the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the nation's highest military decoration. Photo: US Army

 SALT LAKE CITY — Because of COVID-19 and the need to be socially distanced, the Army has launched its first nationwide virtual recruiting campaign.

Lt. Col. Raphael Vasquez, commander of the Salt Lake City recruiting battalion, joined Lee Lonsberry on Live Mic to explain why it’s important and how recruiting is working during the coronavirus pandemic.

Do you have the right stuff?

The Army campaign runs from June 30 through July 2 with a goal of recruiting 10,000 new soldiers to serve in 150 different occupations. You can find out more here

Vasquez said the Army has moved to 100 percent telework since March 18 due to the pandemic.

“We still have to recruit but in the virtual space,” he said. “Right now our effort for Army national hiring day is take those skills that we learned during our telework environment and apply them during this specific period of time, so from June 30th to July 2nd there’s a push to increase the media presence.”

For new soldiers, Vasquez said, the Army is looking for three things: A recruit who is mentally, morally and physically qualified and also be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Mental aptitude is measured by ASVAB, (the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test), according to Vasquez.

“Based on the results of that test, we’ll find out what kind of jobs are good for them [recruits],” he said. 

“The second thing is morally qualified. We’re going to find young men and women that don’t have anything that’s deleterious in their background.

“In others words no crimes, no shoplifting, no petty theft. There are certain things that we can potentially waive because young people will make mistakes, and we don’t want to ruin someone’s life over small mistakes. 

“We have to know for a fact that they’re going to do the right thing and share our Army values,” he said.

And lastly, recruits have to be physically qualified, Vasquez said. He said the biggest disqualifier for military recruits is physical fitness or a pre-existing condition.

Benefits of a military career

He said if you are between 17 and 34 years old and you’re looking for a job or an adventure, the Army is the place for you.

Vasquez said he joined the Army when he was 17 to share his father’s values of being part of something bigger than yourself. He added that after serving for four years, he used the GI Bill to attend Arizona State University where he earned a degree in psychology. After which, he re-entered the Army as an officer.

Another benefit, Vasquez bought a home with zero percent down by using a VA loan.

“All of this because I raised my right hand and joined the service,” he said.

Vasquez said for those interested, visit goarmy.com or 1-888-550-ARMY.

 

Live Mic with Lee Lonsberry can be heard weekdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Politics + Government

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

Migrants seeking asylum in the US look through the border wall as volunteers offer assistance on th...

Nouran Salahieh

End of Title 42 policy brings fewer migrants than expected

Southern border communities report fewer migrants, but concerns remain about overcrowded processing and detention facilities.

11 months ago

President Joe Biden looks on during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Whit...

Maegan Vazquez

Biden facing political pressures from both parties over handling of migration challenge

  (CNN) — President Joe Biden is coming under sustained pressure from both sides of the aisle over the administration’s handling of the expiration of Title 42, the controversial Trump-era pandemic public health restriction that became a key tool to turn back migrants at the US-Mexico border. Title 42 was a public health order established early on in the pandemic with […]

11 months ago

graduates are pictured, the us is offering some student loan debt forgiveness...

Associated Press

The US has approved $42 billion in loan forgiveness for public service workers. Here’s what to know

The program is separate from U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether that plan can go ahead.

11 months ago

Migrants stand near the border wall after crossing the Rio Bravo river...

Dakin Andone and Priscilla Alvarez, CNN

Title 42 has expired. Here’s what happens next

The new asylum rule is already facing a legal challenge as the ACLU and other immigrant advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.

11 months ago

Private equity investor Andrew Intrater is one of the people federal prosecutors allege Rep. George...

Fredreka Schouten

Private equity investor identified as political contributor allegedly duped by George Santos

(CNN) — Private equity investor Andrew Intrater is one of the people federal prosecutors allege Rep. George Santos induced to donate money as part of an alleged scheme that diverted purported political contributions to Santos’ personal use, Intrater’s lawyer confirmed to CNN on Thursday. In a 13-count indictment made public Wednesday, prosecutors alleged that Santos and an […]

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Live Mic: Army recruiting 10,000 new soldiers during three-day event