DEVENS, Mass. — The U.S. Army Springfield Recruiting Company recently held a Future Soldiers Mega Event at Devens Reserve Forces Training Area in late August 2023. The event was an excellent opportunity for the new recruits to gain knowledge about Army concepts, build relationships with each other and learn from seasoned Soldiers.
Those in the recruiting company have assumed the role of mentors to these future Soldiers and are striving to teach them all they can so they are prepared when they go to basic training and transition into Army life. The senior Soldiers shared their personal stories and insights from their field experiences.
The Engagement Skills Trainer — a state-of-the-art weapons simulator — was used to give recruits a hands-on demonstration with the for the M4 carbine and M17 handgun systems, an essential element in their preparation for basic training. Members of the recruiting company briefed the group on the different weapon systems and their functions. They were all then given the opportunity to handle a weapon and engage in combat fire using the simulator. Later, recruits met with Soldiers from the 743rd Transportation Company and engaged in Light Medium Tactical Vehicles and Humvee training.
Capt. Eugny Proshin, commander of the Springfield Recruiting Company, swore in six recruits at the day's event. This milestone marks one of the most significant moments in their lives; it affects them, their recruiters and friends back home.
"I saw the impact I could make [as a recruiter] and wanted to help others figure out what they wanted to do. It's easy to get stuck in an endless cycle when you don't know where you fit yet, and I realized I could help young people find their place," said 1st Sgt. Noel Espinal when asked why he became a recruiter.
Soldiers share their stories with their friends once they return from basic and technical training, which has a ripple effect, inspiring others to join. The U.S. Army offers promotion incentives to Soldiers who refer individuals to their local recruiting station through the Soldier Referral Program. The program encourages all Soldiers to support recruiting and allows them to share their stories and decisions to serve with their community. Please fill out this form if you are a current Soldier and wish to refer someone.
For more information about careers in the Army, including the Army Reserve, visit GoArmy.com.
Devens RFTA is the premier military installation in New England and the total force's primary choice to meet current and emerging requirements.
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