Since America is currently at war, enlistment numbers are down for all branches of the military. It’s very hard to convince people, particularly high school students, that it is worth risking their lives to enlist in the military. Military recruiters use a number of strategies and tactics to try to convince people to join their ranks.

Military recruiters aim to make themselves part of a high school’s community. If they are trusted by the faculty and the students, they are more likely to be able to convince students that they are truly looking out for their best interests in convincing them to join the military. They do this by becoming friends with class leaders, such as athletes, student council members, and class officers. They also become friends with the faculty so that they may participate in more school activities.

Another part of military recruitment is playing up the positive aspects of the military. When recruiting in small towns, recruiters may tell students about all of the countries they can see as an enlisted member. It’s an extremely appealing prospect to someone who has never left their hometown. As the cost of college climbs, the tuition payment aspect of the military is used more and more as a selling point. The military will pay up to $250 per credit hour; students that dread student loans may listen to a recruiter if they talk about tuition reimbursement.

Recruiters also play on the heartstrings of students and potential service members. By talking about America and what an honor it is to serve their country, they inspire patriotic feelings in students and subtly encourage them to make the same dedication to their country.

As recruiters continue to miss their recruiting goals, high school students across the country can expect to see more aggressive recruitment tactics in use.