Mobile Recruiting Station Debuts in Syracuse

DHS WAS ON HAND TO SUPPORT THE SYRACUSE Recruiting Battalion as they met with young men and women interested in enlisting in the U.S. Army during the city's High School All-Star Football Game on June 6, 2010.

Throughout the game, which took place at Syracuse University in upstate New York, interested applicants were able to meet with members of the recruiting battalion inside a mobile recruiting station provided by DHS. The facility was comprised of a 442 square foot DRASH Trailer Mounted Support System (TMSS) Medium and a Reeves Incident Command Post (ICP) Trailer.

Inside the TMSS Medium, applicants were able to take part in the Future Soldier Trainer – an interactive video game that allows multiple players to engage in a combat scenario. The ICP, which was connected to the TMSS and featured internet connectivity and a dedicated phone line, served as an office in which recruiters could speak with prospective applicants.

The recent event at Syracuse University marks the first time the recruiting battalion has utilized the recruiting station to speak with potential applicants from a location in the field. Pleased with its mobile, flexible design, personnel already plan to use the station for similar events in the future.

"The All-Star Football Game made it clear that our equipment can be used to support the challenging mission facing today's recruiter. The shelters' quick-erect design as well as their ability to run independently in the field allows recruiting teams the flexibility to set up in any location," says DHS Representative Willie Craig, who attended the event.

The Syracuse Recruiting Battalion plans to next use the mobile recruiting station at the New York State Fair later this summer.