For the first time since 2017, the Wisconsin Army National Guard has successfully met its annual recruiting target.
Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion said in a news release that national trends such as a strong economy, low unemployment, a pandemic, and shifting attitudes toward military service have made recruiting difficult.
However, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Shannon Hellenbrand and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Chris Beron crafted a new approach, which LTC Hellenbrand says “focused on creating an environment fostering trust, accountability and a winning culture by investing in leadership and team development.”
By focusing on personalized mentorship, creating flexible opportunities for service members, and developing a stronger and more integrated marketing campaign, the recruiting team has engaged a wider range of recruits.
This increased messaging and flexibility helped them to accommodate recruits with childcare, career, and educational opportunities, ensuring that enlistment remained a viable option for diverse individuals.
CSM Beron also noted, “The success of meeting our state recruiting target is not just a numbers game; it ensures that the Wisconsin Army National Guard remains strong and ready to respond to both state and federal needs.”
