Solving the Military Recruiting Crisis: Finding What Resonates

Explore new strategies for addressing the U.S. military's recruitment challenges and three key populations the military can target. By tailoring recruitment campaigns to resonate with these groups and sharing the stories of service members with similar backgrounds, the military can inspire new recruits to pursue personal and professional fulfillment through service.

An intricate illustration representing the U.S. Army Signal Corps. At the center, an eagle holds arrows and an olive branch, with the Signal Corps insignia on its chest. The motto 'Pro Patria Vigilans' appears on banners. Surrounding the eagle are scenes of soldiers in various communications roles: paratroopers deploying, soldiers using radio and satellite equipment, and operators working on telecommunications systems. The background features historical depictions, including Fort Monmouth and Signal Corps headquarters. The entire image is set against a reddish-orange backdrop with a mix of detailed line drawings.

A soldier sits at a desk operating a switchboard inside a tunnel carved out of rock. Thick cables are mounted along the wall, and a sign nearby reads 'S-10' and 'BOARD.' The scene appears to be an underground military communication station, with minimal lighting and basic equipment.

Read Time: < 13 mins

Signal Corps Support Of Amphibious Operations: January - March 1944

In early 1944, U.S. Army divisions conducted amphibious landings at Anzio, Kwajalein, and Los Negros. Signal Soldiers faced the challenge of providing vital communications during complex operations. These operations highlighted the Army's expertise in joint warfare and laid the groundwork for future amphibious assaults.

By Steven J. Rauch, Signal Corps Branch Historian

A diagram outlining the career progression for Warrant Officers in the United States Army. The diagram shows the different stages, including recruitment, access, training, development, and retention. It includes the specific courses and timeframes required for each stage, as well as the career paths for 255A Data Operations, 255N Network Operations, and 255S Cyberspace Defense Warrant Officers.

Read Time: < 5 mins

How does the Army Retain Warrant Officers? One CW5’s vantage point

The Army struggles to retain W3 and W4 warrant officers, especially in critical specialties like signal warrant officers. Retirements before reaching senior ranks create gaps in expertise and readiness. To address this, the Army aims to recruit warrant officers with 8 years AFS or less and offers retention bonuses to maintain experienced officers beyond 20 years AFS.

By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brandon Wilson, U.S. Army Signal School

Soldiers on a sunny day hold up a yellow and black cardboard frame through which you can see their faces that shows support for Fort Eisenhower.

Read Time: < 4 mins

The Case for Taking the Hard Jobs: MI officer finds role a challenge, rewarding

Maj. Maribel Brown reflects on her challenging role as XO to the chief of signal, which broadened her military knowledge and pushed her outside her comfort zone. Despite not being a key developmental position, she gained valuable skills, insights into Army operations, and a deep appreciation for the Signal Corps' esprit de corps, making her a better officer.

By Maj. Maribel Brown, U.S. Army Signal School

A chart outlining the Signal Operations MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) structure, organized into Core Functions and Specialized Functions. The chart shows various MOS codes and their corresponding titles, including Tactical Communications, Network Provider, Network Technician, Help Desk, Cyber Net, Spectrum Manager, and Visual Information Operations. A note indicates that the number of Signal MOSs has been reduced from 17 to 13.

Read Time: < 5 mins

Signal Enlisted MOS Convergence Explained: Personnel structure

The Signal Enlisted MOS Convergence reduces the number of Military Occupational Specialties from 17 to 7, streamlining tasks, improving efficiency, and addressing future network needs. This multi-phase effort, running from 2021 to 2025, aims to create adaptive, multi-skilled signal Soldiers, enhancing readiness and professional development in a multi-domain force.

By Lamar Lauderdale, Office Chief of Signal, U.S. Army Signal School