DECATUR, Ala. — Robert Maguire Pope was thrilled to receive his high school diploma at Hartselle High School recently, but he said it will pale in comparison to what awaited him Tuesday in Nashville.
“Definitely holding up my hand being sworn in to the U.S. Army will be a much bigger deal,” the 18-year-old said.
Pope signed up for the Army during his junior year in high school, becoming a fourth-generation family member to serve in that branch of military.
“Some of my friends told me I was crazy for going into the military,” he said. “I know it’s not for everyone. At 17 years old, I decided I am willing to lay down my life for this country so the people can have the freedom to do what they want to do.”
The recruiters of four military branches – Marines, Navy, Air Force and Army – in Decatur said they’ll be hearing more stories as such in the next few weeks. This is the busy season for recruiters, with school ending and many graduates unsure about their career paths.
The recruiters are each expecting about 20 recruits to join during June and July. But if recent graduates think they’ll be shipping out a few days after signing on the dotted line, they’ll be disappointed, recruiters said.
Army recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Berger said it usually takes four to six weeks to process graduates who are not part of the delayed enlistment program like Pope. Berger said 17 days is the quickest processing time he has seen recently.
“There are plenty of things to take care of once we have them signed,” Berger said. “There are the car payment schedules, cellphone billing, bank paperwork. Sometimes recruits need a couple of weeks to leave a job.”
He said he also sees signups in October while visiting area schools. But not all potential recruits, those with fresh diplomas or older ones, are eligible to enlist.
The recruiters said prospective recruits must pass aptitude, physical and medical tests. The military requires at least a 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test known as ASVAB. The higher the score, the better the chance at receiving bonuses and select career opportunities, the recruiters said.
