Need help with a down payment? Ask the Army

updated 11:05 p.m. ET Aug. 9, 2007

WASHINGTON - Need a down payment for your home? Seed money to start a business? The Army wants to help — if you’re willing to join up.

Despite spending nearly $1 billion last year on recruiting bonuses and ads, Army leaders say an even bolder approach is needed to fill wartime ranks.

Under a new proposal, men and women who enlist could pick from a “buffet” of incentives, including up to $45,000 tax-free that they accrue during their career to help buy a home or build a business. Other options would include money for college and to pay off student loans.

An Associated Press review of the increasingly aggressive recruiting offerings found the Army is not only dangling more sign-up rewards — it’s loosening rules on age and weight limits, education and drug and criminal records.

It’s all part of an Army effort to fill its ranks even as the percentage of young people who say they plan to join the military has hit a historic low — 16 percent by the Pentagon’s own surveying — in the fifth year of the Iraq war.

Recruitment target not met
In June, the Army failed to meet its recruitment target for the second month in a row, although it apparently met its goal to recruit 9,750 troops in July and is on target for 80,000 for the year that ends Sept. 30.

As part of a push to make its 2007 goals, the Army is boosting the size of its 8,000-member recruiting force with 1,000 to 2,000 assistants — including some former recruiters.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to increase the size of the active-duty Army by 65,000 to a total of 547,000 within five years. In part, that’s to ease the wartime strain on the Army, which is the largest branch of the military.

“Recruiting next year and beyond will remain challenging and will ... require additional innovative approaches,” said Lt. Col. Michael Rochelle, the Pentagon’s deputy chief of staff for personnel. He asked lawmakers last week on Capitol Hill for money to pay for the new program.

Rochelle described the latest offering as an updated version of the Army’s college fund, a popular program started in 1982 to help soldiers pay for college.

The Army would like to start a pilot program targeting 500 people who might not otherwise consider joining. In the pilot, the takers who complete a four-year enlistment would be eligible for up to $30,000 in incentives — including money for a home loan or business. Eventually, the Army wants to offer up to $45,000.

Beyond the Iraq war, the military says other factors have affected its ability to recruit. More high school graduates are going to college, and the economy is strong, providing lots of civilian jobs. At the same time, only three of 10 people between 17 and 24 fully meet the military’s standards.

MORE FROM MILITARY

Military Section Front

NYT: Obama eyes cost of Afghan decision Lawmaker: Hasan linked to Pakistan Urn with veteran’s ashes stolen U.S. Army: Troop morale falls in Afghanistan Gates to lead push against roadside bombs Field Notes: Inside one of America's largest warships theGrio: In honoring vets, Obama contemplates future casualties theGrio: Black soldiers continue to fight for country and equality Military Section Front   Add Military headlines to your news reader: