Photo By Derrik Noack | Future national guardsmen Jacob Oliver, from Emmetsburg, Iowa, wins Future Warfighters...... read more read more
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) employees are experts in processing applicants and following procedures, but it can be challenging to understand the experience from an applicant’s point of view. Even for those who have gone through MEPS as previous recruits themselves, the memories fade as they embark on their military careers.
Obtaining applicant feedback is a key part of making sure we are continuously improving our efforts in enlisting qualified individuals, but it can be challenging. Not all leaders can disguise themselves as an applicant to get honest commentary.
To gain some insight, leadership at Des Moines MEPS organized the Future Warfighter Essay Competition for applicants to turn their experience into impactful words. Future warfighters who have acceded/DEPed could enter by writing a 2-3 page essay on their recruiting and MEPS experience. Prizes for winners included a traditional holiday boxed meal, gift cards, a certificate of achievement and Inter-service Recruitment Committee Partners (IRC) Challenge Coins.
Winners of the Future Warfighters Essay Competition were announced at an award ceremony, Nov. 19. Winners included future airman Logan Bane from Aztec, N.M., future national guardsmen Jacob Oliver from Emmetsburg, Iowa, future soldier Jacob Schramm from Kewanee, Ill., future soldier Joseph Silvaggio from Kewanee, Ill., and future airman Dax Easton Stoster from Waterloo, Iowa.
Army 1st Sgt. Anthony Toolin, Des Moines MEPS senior enlisted advisor, conducted the competition. Toolin said the competition served as a multifaceted tool, benefiting not just his recruiting partners but the essay writers too.
“The competition was designed to instill the importance of competing, continual education and community involvement into the Future Warfighters,” said Toolin. “In nearly every essay, a warfighter made it a point to thank their recruiter and the MEPS for the world-class treatment and professionalism while they were in the process of a life changing event. The essays also provided us all with great information on how we can take that world-class treatment and professionalism to the next level.”
One example that came up in many of the essays was the desire to have family members witness the Oath of Enlistment. With COVID-19 precautions still in place, friends and family are not able to physically be present for the event. A solution they are now working towards is live streaming those ceremonies so loved ones can take part.
Applicants soon to ship were motivated to compete in the competition and recruiting partners were eager to use the contest as a learning tool. The extra time together brought on insightful conversations and tips on how to stay ahead during one’s military career.
“1st Sgt. Toolin was able to explain to me the importance of continually competing during my career,” said essay winner Joseph Silvaggio. “You get better at what you do, learn new experiences and separate yourself from your peers, proving to your seniors that you are continually working to improve yourself.”
Toolin said the competition not only helped recruiters connect better with applicants, but strengthened relationships with everyone involved with the MEPS.
“I encourage all our MEPS to start an essay program and am committed to assisting any MEPS who wants to put on a competition for their organization,” said Toolin. “It has been a great way to interact on a more personal level with our Warfighters, IRC partners, recruiters and community partners.”
The competition would not have been successful without contributions from various local organizations.
“The overwhelming support from our partners and their commitment supporting our service members was fantastic,” said Toolin. “A special thank you to American Legion Post 281, Duval Bullies, Red Cross, USAA and the USO for providing the meals, gift cards, challenge coins, t-shirts and unwavering support to our service members.”
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2021 16:09 |
| Story ID: | 410338 |
| Location: | NORTH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | AZTEC, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Hometown: | DES MOINES, IOWA, US |
| Hometown: | KEWANEE, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | WATERLOO, IOWA, US |
| Web Views: | 224 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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