Why do army recruiters insist on getting me on the phone or meeting in person?

Question

I have a Masters degree and work for a company that makes me travel a lot.  It lowers my living expenses a bit but they don't pay very well.

I am considering going into the military but every recruiter I email wants to talk on the phone or meet in person.

I am in sales and I don't feel like engaging in a high-pressure phone conversation or going into a high-pressure sales meeting.  The last recruiter I spoke with wouldnt let me leave his office without watching a 30 minute video, taking the ASVAB, and having a heart-to-heart.  I AM interested in the military, but when I join it will be on MY terms, not because someone pushed me into it.

Why won't they just respond to an email?  I even emailed the Army-Recruiter website twice and that says they will respond in 72 hours, it's been a week and no response.

HDH · Accepted Answer

I know what you mean. What I did was do all my research for myself (the guys at RecruiterChat at goarmy.com are a good resource as well as here) and then walked into the recruiter's office announcing that I was intent on enlisting, and telling him exactly what program I wanted. My terms, exactly. He was a little taken aback, but a recruit's a recruit. I passed with the scores necessary, got the contract I wanted, and shipped out on the right day, so he couldn't really complain. ;)

So your terms will be you want to go in as an officer. Ask for an OCS packet. The thing to keep in mind about going officer (unlike going enlisted) is that it's needs of the Army first. You list out your three preferences, and the Army puts you where they need you. Just be sure to detail your experience and education if applicable to the field, at every chance you get. Logistics is a less popular choice for new officers, so your chances are not bad. But if you are male, you are required to put two combat branches as two of your choices so there's no guarantee.

? · Answer

Just go in and talk to them.  If you are serious about the military then it will be a long, long process to join.   If you think you are cutting any time out by communicating through email then you are wrong. 

Are you considering the option to be an officer?

Ariel · Answer

Because it is something personal, the military is a huge commitment. Yes you will need to speak to them in person, they have this policy to not let in any weirdos. Make an appointment, allow for a long time, and yeah if you have to sit through a video and have several heart to hearts, it is worth it if you truly are interested right?

Anonymous · Answer

So we should make an exception to standard practice just for little old you?  Recruiters enlist people.  That is their job.  They put effort into people who want to enlist.

Anonymous · Answer

You clearly know the answer. They want to talk to you so that they can put their high pressure sales techniques on you, like you mentioned.

Why do army recruiters insist on getting me on the phone or meeting in person?

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