Army Chief of Staff enlists and re-enlists more than 600 current and future service members

Photo By Denise Mosley | More than 600 future service members raise their right hand to answer the call to join the U.S. Military at the Atlanta Falcons Call to Service game Nov. 5, 2023. The Atlanta Falcons welcomed future and current U.S. service members to their Call To Service event to help highlight the career opportunities provided by the U.S. Military. While the rest of the NFL is having their Salute to Service events, the Atlanta Falcons decided to take it a step further and create the Call To Service event. The change is aimed at recognizing and honoring the brave service men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces as well as inspiring others to learn the benefits of joining the military.  

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES

11.05.2023

Story by Sgt. Maj. Jason Stadel 

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George gave the Oath of Enlistment to more than six hundred service members Nov. 5, 2023, during halftime of the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings NFL game in Atlanta. The ceremony included people joining the U.S. Army (including the National Guard and Army Reserve), Marines, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force. The formation also had Army service members continuing their service by reenlisting.

“We are honored to have you here with us today,” George said before administering the Oath of Enlistment. “The military will accelerate your life; I know you can ‘Be All You Can Be.’ For those of you who are reenlisting, and staying on our team, we are grateful. Most of us stay for a sense of purpose that we have...we are honored you’re going to be in our ranks.”

Each year the NFL hosts their “Salute to Service” effort to connect with America’s service members and their families. This year the Falcons wanted to highlight what the military has to offer for those who might be interested in joining with a “Call to Service” game.

"The Falcons and the NFL have been long-time supporters of the military, sharing an unwavering dedication to honoring, empowering, and connecting with our nation's service members, veterans, and their families," said Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles in a press release. "We are honored to support our military's recruitment initiative and help share the benefits of service to the next generation of Soldiers."

During the game’s festivities, helicopter crews from the Aviation Center of Excellence flew over Mercadez-Benz Stadium during the National Anthem performed by the Army’s “Six String Soldiers,” the 75th Ranger Regiment rappelled from the stadium’s rafters during the halftime reenlistment, and the 82nd Airborne Division chorus performed “God Bless America” for the more than 69,000 people in the stands.

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-28.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2023
• Date Posted: 11.05.2023 15:27
• Story ID: 457221
• Location: ATLANTA, GA, US