Oklahoma National Guard Gets Creative To Recruit During Pandemic

It's a call to service only some will answer. The Oklahoma Army National Guard said the pandemic is making it more difficult to find recruits, but one senior class is answering the call.

Oklahoma Army National Guard recruiter Sergeant Patrick Perry said most of the schools he works with aren't allowing in-person recruiting due to the pandemic. Perry told News On 6 the part-time job is unique in that 28 days out of the month, you’re a civilian. For two days, you’re a member of the military.

Perry said it’s important to develop solid relationships with the students and considers himself to be more of a career counselor.

"We don't take our recruits as numbers,” Sgt. Perry said. “They are a brother or sister to us and so not having that in-person relationship prior to making the decision to enlist is huge."

Sgt. Perry said Bristow High School is allowing the guard to safely recruit from within its walls. He said just they're just five months into the recruiting year. Out of a class of 121, 8% of Bristow's seniors have enlisted.

Sgt. Perry said these students come from all walks of life. One is a valedictorian and another is a star athlete. Some, Sgt. Perry said, just need a little direction.

Bristow High School assistant principal Tasha Beaty said it's the school's job to provide its students with opportunities for future success.

“I think it gives them a sense of confidence, a sense of camaraderie,” Beaty said. “It teaches them a lot of self-discipline and structure."

Bristow senior Jenna Barnett was inspired to enlist after watching her brother proudly serve in the Marines.

"It gives you a sense of leadership, loyalty, and family, commitment,” Barnett said. “And that was just something that I wanted to be a part of."

Sgt. Perry said now is the time to join because they focus on natural disasters and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Guard plays an active role in distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"They are gonna be successful in the civilian world and productive to the state of Oklahoma,” Sgt. Perry said.

Any of these recruits who attend a public university in Oklahoma next year will receive free tuition.

Sgt. Perry said anyone interested in enlisting can contact him via phone call or text at 405-612-1459 or click here.