Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody gives the oath of enlistment to New York City recruits at Times Square, N.Y., Oct. 14, in honor of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command's 40th birthday. Sgt. Reeba Critser
NEW YORK (Army News Service, Oct. 14, 2004) - Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody swore in 14 recruits at Times Square Oct. 14 to celebrate the U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s 40th birthday.
While the media frenzied to get their shots, Cody administered the enlistment oath to the delayed-entry-program recruits, and 13 recruiters watched.
“They (recruits) represent the Metro Company which makes up the island of Manhattan,” said Lt. Col. John W. Gillette, commander of the New York City Recruiting Battalion. “The recruiters are stationed in six recruiting stations located from City Hall in the south to Washington Heights in the north. Most notable of the stations are Times Square and City Hall, which is located two blocks from Ground Zero.”
Among the recruits was Efrain Martinez from Hoboken, N.J. He reports to Basic Training Nov. 10 to become a communications technician and be airborne qualified. He also wants to become Ranger-qualified.
“There’s no other job that gives you the opportunity to work as a team,” said Martinez, 28. “It’s not just the benefits, but other things like the experience I will receive and the schooling that got me to join.”
Another recruit, Jared Mohamed of Queens, N.Y., is a U.S. resident. His family emigrated from London, England, and he said he’s joining because of the opportunities available.
“Besides a great career, the Army will give me different opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Mohamed, 19, who reports Nov. 3 to be a combat engineer. “In the Army, I can get a degree faster than I could right now.”
Although these recruits joined for the opportunity to better themselves, they said they understand that the nation is at war and are ready to do what they can.
“I believe as residents of this country, we should represent our way of life,” said Hector Pichardo, 26, of New York City.
Hector reports Dec. 1 to become a dental specialist.
“To see Americans all over the world sacrificing their lives all over the world is inspirational,” he said. “The education and discipline the Army provides is the strength that stays with you.”
Before Cody swore in the recruits, he thanked them for enlisting and thanked the recruiters for their hard work. He told the recruits of his enlistment 36 years ago.
“I thought I was staying in for only two to three years,” Cody said. “But one morning, I woke up and it was 20 years.”
After the swearing-in, they cut the cake marking the USAREC birthday.
“It (the birthday celebration) shows that we are in our 40th successful year of an all-volunteer force,” Gillette said. “USAREC continues to recruit quality young men and women to meet the needs of the Army. It also reinforces (Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker’s) assertion that a draft is not necessary at this time. The 40th anniversary also brings public awareness to the young men and women who continue to volunteer to support and defend our country.”
The recruiters present said they have the perfect present for USAREC.
“It’s even better because we’ve made our accession mission this year,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Valentine, Metro Co., New York City Recruiting Battalion. “It’s the best recruiting birthday present we can do this year for the Army.”
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