Army Begins Prior Service Recruiting Initiative

To: National Desk

Contact: Maj. Elizabeth Robbins, 703-697-5343 or http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55831&Link=mailto:elizabeth.robbins@hqda.army.mil; Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55831&Link=mailto:bryan-hilferty@us.army.mil

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Department of the Army began a new recruiting initiative this week to increase its prior service accessions.

Under the "Unity of Effort" initiative, the Army will begin contacting more than 78,000 former Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, offering them an opportunity to again serve in America's military.

"These patriots answered the call to duty before," said Lt. Gen. F. L. Hagenbeck, Army Deputy Chief of Staff for personnel, "Veterans often miss being part of the team. They miss the adventure, camaraderie, team work and values of the military. We are offering them the chance to again respond to the call to duty."

Prior service enlisted personnel may

-- retain their previous grade, if enlisting within 48 months after separation

-- retrain into a new specialty if desired and if the applicant qualifies for that specialty

-- receive up to $19,000 in enlistment bonuses, depending upon specialty selected

Prior service officers can

-- reestablish their military service benefits

-- possibly qualify for an exciting career specialty that may not have been available during their past service

-- if joining the Army Reserve components, receive a bonus of up to $6,000

Prior enlisted personnel should contact their local Army Recruiter, call 1-800-USA-ARMY, or visit http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55831&Link=http://www.goarmy.comor http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55831&Link=http://www.1800goguard.com .

Prior service officers should call 1-800-325-4898.

Media may contact Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty at bryan- http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55831&Link=mailto:hilferty@us.army.mil or Maj. Elizabeth Robbins at http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55831&Link=mailto:elizabeth.robbins@hqda.army.mil.