DAN DRISCOLL WANTS TO PAY YOU LESS TO JOIN THE ARMY

Army recruiting and retention efforts have been improving lately, after years of disappointing numbers and missed goals. While success in improving these numbers is multi-faceted, financial incentives have proved popular for attracting new recruits and keeping troops longer. Army Secretary nominee Daniel Driscoll doesn’t believe money is the answer to help fill the ranks of the U.S. military and wants to move away from monetary incentives.

Dan Driscoll Believes Money Alone Not Helping Army Recruiting and Retention

Daniel Driscoll is still in line to be the next U.S. Army Secretary, however, he’s looking to have military leaders use more non-monetary incentives to elevate Army recruiting and retention efforts.

“We have the fewest number of active Soldiers that we’ve had since World War II, even as conflict is erupting around the world. We need to fix that,” said Driscoll during his confirmation hearing.

Furthermore, the Army Secretary nominee also went on to say, “I actually don’t think the answer is throwing more money at the problem. I think it’s nice to get things like GI Bill benefits, but I didn’t join for that. I enlisted to serve the country.”

It’s worth noting that Driscoll’s ideas to look at other incentives than monetary ones follow the decision to provide junior enlisted troops with a notable pay increase, only a few weeks ago.

This is a 10% boost to help military families still battling inflation while also aiming to attract new recruits. The initiative would go into effect in April 2025.

Driscoll Believes in the Army’s Story

Dan Driscoll deployed to Iraq in 2009, is an Army Vet with four years of experience serving his nation as a Cavalry Scout Platoon Leader, and credits his time with providing “opportunities (he) could scarcely have imagined when (he) enlisted.”

“I think there is a story to tell of the United States Army that young people want to hear,” said Driscoll.

Personal testimonies of what being a Soldier can do for recruits is how Driscoll hopes to reach more troops and retain them.

Furthermore, Driscoll is looking to provide alternative incentives, which include different career routes or sabbaticals for troops who qualify, making the assignments more predictable for Soldiers, maximizing dwell time, and more.

It’s still early but members of the Senate seem to support this approach, which would use a mix of monetary incentives while also pushing for things that would help Soldiers without increasing pay.

New Recruitment Goals

The Army met its 2024 recruiting goal of 55,000 enlistees after falling short in previous years, but officials say the target may have been set for achievability rather than actual needs.

A review of Army recruiting and retention efforts and goals is planned to better attract and retain soldiers.

Money is important for struggling families, however, officials stress that strong career opportunities and quality of life are still a key part of keeping troops in service long term.

Army Recruiting and Retention Will Demand Multiple Approaches

Many studies have tried to find the reasons people join the military, but the one thing that remains true is that everyone has their own reasoning.

Depending on your background, needs, and preferences, joining the military could be mostly economical, meaning basic pay, healthcare, and educational benefits are a must.

On the other hand, some people join simply because they want to serve their country.

Driscoll’s plan to help with Army recruiting and retention efforts is notable but it’s impossible to ignore that monetary incentives continue to prove effective in attracting and keeping Soldiers in the force.