SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –
Approximately 180 local high schools in Puerto Rico participated in a Senior Career Fair at the convention center here, Oct. 18 and 19.
The Miami Recruiting Battalion from the U.S. Army Recruiting Command with participation from the 301st Military Police Company, U.S. Army Reserve in Puerto Rico, had a booth set up at the event with the intent to educate seniors about the military and inform them of the benefits, resources, and provide guidance to all those who would like to join.
Col. Carlos Caceres, 1st Mission Support Command commanding officer, and Col. Richard Aviles, 1st MSC deputy commanding officer, visited USAREC's booth and had the opportunity to engage with the students and recruiters.
"It is nothing short of amazing what can be accomplished when you have so many dedicated and devoted professionals like our recruiters in Puerto Rico and our 1st MSC members all working in unison driven by genuine care for our citizens and nation", expressed Col. Caceres.
The U.S. Army Recruiting Command is responsible for manning both the Active Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, ensuring security and readiness for our Nation. Recruiting operations are conducted throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and U.S. facilities in Germany and Asia.
"In the Army Reserve, we have a lot of benefits," stated Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Fontanez, USAREC recruiter. "One of them is the Montgomery GI Bill; the Army Reserve also provides Tuition Assistance and a Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)."
Applicants who score over 50 in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) may qualify for additional incentives; for example, the SLRP will give those individuals up to $50,000 in student loans.
Soldiers in the Army Reserve serve at least one weekend a month and two weeks a year; this part-time service means that service members will have the time to pursue life goals in school, their career, or personal passions when not on duty.
"I know there's a lot of people out there who don't know about the Army Reserve and what we can do for them," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Rodriguez, USAREC recruiter. "Being a voice for the Army makes me happy to serve, the Army saved me, and I believe it can save others as well."
Approximately 10,900 Soldier and civilian recruiters are working out of more than 1,400 recruiting stations spread across America and overseas. All have records of ability and potential, representing the finest traditions of the Army and military service.
The U.S. Army Reserve currently has over 120 specialties to choose from to further your Army and civilian careers.