Guard-X, Beginning of a new way of life

Photo By Spc. Gabriel Broady | U.S. Army Staff. Sgt. Bruce Roberts, Recruiting and Retention Battalion recruiter, takes a photo of Army and Air Guard Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets in front of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a Guard X event at the Maneuver Area Training and Equipment Site, Fort Bragg North Carolina, April 23, 2022. The event is designed to allow cadets who are interested in joining the NCNG a hands-on opportunity to see equipment soldiers use and ask questions about different career fields. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc Gabriel Broady, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment)  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

04.23.2022

Story by Spc. Gabriel Broady 

382nd Public Affairs Detachment

Fayetteville, NC – Why did you join the military? This question filled the air by several Army and Air Guard Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets during a Guard X event hosted by the North Carolina National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion at the Maneuver Area Training and Equipment Site, Fort Bragg North Carolina, April 23, 2022.

The event is designed to allow cadets who are interested in joining the North Carolina National Guard a hands-on opportunity to see equipment soldiers use and ask questions about different career fields.

“This is a great opportunity for these young students in high school to actually see it,” said Staff Sgt. Bruce Roberts , a recruiter assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “My main goal out here today is to have them look at the tanks, look at the Bradleys and realize the Guard isn't just that state force that everyone thinks we are. We are so much more and they're actually getting that picture now.”

Cadets broke up into two groups; one consisting of Air Force cadets and the other were Army cadets. Groups received an orientation briefing before moving to the training center motor pool where they could actually sit inside of various field artillery vehicles used in combat operations. Staff leading the tour also informed the young men and women about the vehicles’ capabilities.

"Hopefully we get to recruit these nice young people, get them into a job they actually like,” said Sgt. Philip Hill , a soldier assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 252 Armor Regiment. “I know it's hard to find a nice secure job. This one benefits the family, yourself, and education is a big one.”

• Date Taken: 04.23.2022
• Date Posted: 04.27.2022 13:31
• Story ID: 419299
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US