Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Behan, Tampa Battalion
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate: An NCO's Journey to Recruiting
By Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Behan, Tampa Battalion
May 29, 2015
It was Christmas Eve 2007 and I was in Fallujah, Iraq, when I found out I’d been selected for recruiting duty .
I was not happy.
I took the matter to my command sergeant major, whose response was, “It will be good for your career.” This was not what I wanted to hear, but I forced the dismal news to the back of my mind. I had bigger things to worry about in Iraq.
I was still unhappy upon arriving at the Army Recruiting Course in June 2008 but was determined to make the best of it.
Overwhelmed by classes and regulations, outside my comfort zone, I remembered what it was to like to feel like a private again.
As the weeks went on we were broken down into smaller classes to work on the art of recruiting. Listening to stories from my small group leader, I started thinking, “this might not be so bad after all.”
Hoping to get back home for three years, I requested an assignment with the New England Recruiting Battalion. I was happy but shocked when I got my number one choice. I found out, New England is difficult recruiting area. Looking back, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
It taught me the work ethic needed to be successful in USAREC and life.
The most important lesson from the ARC was being told we’d only learn the basics at the school house and would hone our skills at our centers.
By the time I arrived at Manchester Center of New Hampshire Company, New England Battalion in December 2008, my outlook about recruiting had only slightly improved.
The center leader, a direct, no small-talk guy, briefed me on my left and right limits, my assigned schools and the expected weekly results, ending with “Get after it.”
“Ok, great,” I thought to myself, “I have autonomy and I can do what I want.” I later learned I’d only been given enough rope to tie the noose, not hang myself.
I still talk to that NCO daily and still call him boss. He will always be my mentor and my sounding board when I have something I need to get off my chest.
I have always been successful in my career, because my goal has always been to accomplish my assigned mission, regardless of whether I liked my job.
I spoke to every prospect that even looked qualified. Since I was setting up appointments, and doing well, I was left alone to do what I needed.
I enlisted my first two applicants on Christmas Eve, one as a 37F, psychological operations, the other, as a 92G, food service specialist. I was named the top new recruiter my first year and top recruiter my second year.
I’ve had the opportunity to change lives, give young men and women a purpose, and the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I enjoy shaking the hands of my new enlistees and love seeing them as Soldiers when they came back from basic training. The kid who didn’t fear me as their recruiter came back standing at parade rest, saying “Sergeant,” after every sentence.
I also enjoyed seeing how they changed physically and mentally; each new Soldier thinking he or she could take over the world.
Being able to provide the strength of the Army and helping people is why I do this job.
Two years into recruiting my first sergeant talked to me about converting. I told him, I enjoyed being a recruiter but missed having a job that was relevant. I missed kicking in doors in Iraq, I missed the firefights, and I missed making a difference.
With a perplexed look on his face, he asked, “How many people have you put in the army?” “About 60,” I answered. He then said, “What’s more relevant, 60 doors being kicked in or one door being kicked in, 60 M4s being fired or one?” I understood his point; I am doing more in this job as a recruiter than when I was as a Scout.
I’ve had the opportunity to do many things I wouldn’t have had I not been detailed to recruiting: From being recognized as a local hero at a NASCAR event to participating in a color guard at Fenway Park. I got to hang out with UFC owner Dana White, while sitting ringside surrounded by sports and movie stars.
But my greatest honor is knowing that I make the Army better because of the Soldiers I enlist.
'
By Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Behan, Tampa Battalion
May 29, 2015
It was Christmas Eve 2007 and I was in Fallujah, Iraq, when I found out I’d been selected for recruiting duty .
I was not happy.
I took the matter to my command sergeant major, whose response was, “It will be good for your career.” This was not what I wanted to hear, but I forced the dismal news to the back of my mind. I had bigger things to worry about in Iraq.
I was still unhappy upon arriving at the Army Recruiting Course in June 2008 but was determined to make the best of it.
Overwhelmed by classes and regulations, outside my comfort zone, I remembered what it was to like to feel like a private again.
As the weeks went on we were broken down into smaller classes to work on the art of recruiting. Listening to stories from my small group leader, I started thinking, “this might not be so bad after all.”
Hoping to get back home for three years, I requested an assignment with the New England Recruiting Battalion. I was happy but shocked when I got my number one choice. I found out, New England is difficult recruiting area. Looking back, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
It taught me the work ethic needed to be successful in USAREC and life.
The most important lesson from the ARC was being told we’d only learn the basics at the school house and would hone our skills at our centers.
By the time I arrived at Manchester Center of New Hampshire Company, New England Battalion in December 2008, my outlook about recruiting had only slightly improved.
The center leader, a direct, no small-talk guy, briefed me on my left and right limits, my assigned schools and the expected weekly results, ending with “Get after it.”
“Ok, great,” I thought to myself, “I have autonomy and I can do what I want.” I later learned I’d only been given enough rope to tie the noose, not hang myself.
I still talk to that NCO daily and still call him boss. He will always be my mentor and my sounding board when I have something I need to get off my chest.
I have always been successful in my career, because my goal has always been to accomplish my assigned mission, regardless of whether I liked my job.
I spoke to every prospect that even looked qualified. Since I was setting up appointments, and doing well, I was left alone to do what I needed.
I enlisted my first two applicants on Christmas Eve, one as a 37F, psychological operations, the other, as a 92G, food service specialist. I was named the top new recruiter my first year and top recruiter my second year.
I’ve had the opportunity to change lives, give young men and women a purpose, and the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I enjoy shaking the hands of my new enlistees and love seeing them as Soldiers when they came back from basic training. The kid who didn’t fear me as their recruiter came back standing at parade rest, saying “Sergeant,” after every sentence.
I also enjoyed seeing how they changed physically and mentally; each new Soldier thinking he or she could take over the world.
Being able to provide the strength of the Army and helping people is why I do this job.
Two years into recruiting my first sergeant talked to me about converting. I told him, I enjoyed being a recruiter but missed having a job that was relevant. I missed kicking in doors in Iraq, I missed the firefights, and I missed making a difference.
With a perplexed look on his face, he asked, “How many people have you put in the army?” “About 60,” I answered. He then said, “What’s more relevant, 60 doors being kicked in or one door being kicked in, 60 M4s being fired or one?” I understood his point; I am doing more in this job as a recruiter than when I was as a Scout.
I’ve had the opportunity to do many things I wouldn’t have had I not been detailed to recruiting: From being recognized as a local hero at a NASCAR event to participating in a color guard at Fenway Park. I got to hang out with UFC owner Dana White, while sitting ringside surrounded by sports and movie stars.
But my greatest honor is knowing that I make the Army better because of the Soldiers I enlist.
'