Employer in four states continues to offer entry-level jobs with competitive pay and great benefits

John Reinert reports that he is one of the top employers in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. "I am excited that the school year is underway. During the last school year, we hired 1406 high school graduates and 227 college degree holders. These 1633 young people committed to work for us from three to six years, and they are part of a small percentage of young Americans who qualify to be part of our team," shares Reinert

He adds, "We offer full health care, tax-free allowances for living expenses, and work locations around the world. There are 151 jobs available in 25 career fields. We are continuously hiring, despite news coverage that makes people think otherwise." Reinert is a lieutenant colonel and the commander of the Army's North Star Recruiting Battalion, overseeing recruiting in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

"The Army continually needs new Soldiers, just as most large-scale businesses need a constant flow of entry-level employees," explains Reinert. "The vast majority of the 1500 young men and women are starting their first full-time job...a job with competitive pay and benefits. If they leave the Army without retiring they will have tens of thousands of dollars to use for college, the eligibility to buy a home with no down payment, and other benefits due to U.S. veterans."

"Because the U.S. Army's size changes based on the needs of the nation, the number of new Soldiers fluctuates year to year. What doesn't fluctuate are the standards," observes the commander.

"You may have heard in the news recently that it's tougher to join the Army than ever before. The Army of the future requires highly qualified volunteers. Only three in 10 young Americans fully meet our stringent qualifications."

"Our new Soldiers will have a high school diploma. They will meet age-appropriate height and

weight standards. None will have engaged in serious criminal misconduct. They will not have had a drug or alcohol dependency. Our North Star Battalion team makes the dreams come true for thousands who wish to serve their nation. It's true we take them away from their hometowns. Of the 56,000 young men and women whose initial term of Army service ended in 2013, 58 percent chose not re-enlist. Those young people came back to their home town with job experience and many benefits, including guaranteed money for continuing their education. They come back prepared to be productive members of the community. "

"We thank the schools, coaches, mentors and, most all, the parents of those 1,633 new Soldiers. We ask them to provide encouragement for the next thousand-plus qualified young people willing to stand up and honorably serve our country."

Lt. Col. Reinert is a 19-year Army veteran with deployments to Korea, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. An air defense officer he is a graduate of Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in public administration and a masters degree in leadership and management.