SPRINGFIELD, Va. –
Recruiters from the Virginia National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion gathered Dec. 13, 2017, to recognize the opening of their newest recruiting station in Springfield, Virginia. The new space replaces their previous northern Virginia location in Mount Vernon, and has space for a total of six recruiters, plus a section chief. The station services Fairfax and Arlington counties, the city of Alexandria, as well as parts of Prince William County, to include Woodbridge.
“This will allow us to tap into the amazing talent that resides in the area,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “It also helps to strengthen our community-based military force.”
According to Master Sgt. John Lewis, section chief at the new station, the Springfield location in one of just three Virginia National Guard recruiting stations not located in an armory or college. The other storefronts are located in Richmond and Virginia Beach.
“Recruiting centers are force multipliers for our mission by concentrating in areas where there is little access to National Guard facilities or where population density indicates the need for the extra coverage and exposure,” Lewis explained.
The Springfield location officially opened in November, but Lewis wanted to wait until the official National Guard birthday, on Dec. 13th, to celebrate the location’s opening. He invited readiness personnel from nearby units, including the 29th Infantry Division, as well as senior leaders from the R&R Battalion and area recruiters for other military branches. Lewis spoke briefly to the crowd, thanking them for attending and explaining the significance of the date, before inviting them to share a catered lunch and enjoy some National Guard birthday cake.
“Currently, the focus of the recruiters in the new storefront is tackling the high school and college market to fill positions in the units supported by the recruiters in the area, to include the 29th Infantry Division at Fort Belvoir, the 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion in Fredericksburg and Manassas, the 266th Military Police Company in Manassas and the Infantry Battalion in Leesburg,” explained Lewis. He said bonuses of up to $20,000 are available for several military occupational specialities for those who qualify.
To learn more about the Virginia National Guard or talk to a recruiter about available opportunities, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/joinVAGuard/.