AP: N.J. Guard recruiters turn to educators

[Eugene]

Tuesday, June 27, 2006 · Last updated 1:14 a.m. PT

N.J. Guard recruiters turn to educators

By CHRIS NEWMARKER
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

FORT DIX, N.J. -- They ride Black Hawk helicopters, fire mock assault rifles
in combat simulators and can learn what it's like to drive a Humvee. Some are
so excited they want pictures of themselves holding guns.

But these enthusiasts aren't about to join the military. They're principals,
teachers, coaches and mentors - people who New Jersey military recruiters
believe hold the key to getting more high school students interested in the
armed forces.

The strategy seems to be working. With the military sometimes struggling
to meet recruitment goals nationwide, New Jersey's National Guard has seen
an increase in enlistment in the two years since the inception of its
"Educate the Educator" program.

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Guard officials say by educating the educators, they gain valuable allies
in recruiting students whose parents are often concerned their children
will be sent into battle.

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Full article: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Recruiting_Educators.html