SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 – There are various misconceptions about Army service. From yelling drill sergeants to rigorous basic training, a slew of myths often paints the picture of a Soldier with broad brush strokes that do not reflect the true value, advantages, and opportunities available as a Soldier in today’s Army.
Tucked away at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion Brigade (USAMSB) leverages venues across the nation to change that perspective. With Olympic athletes, professional skydivers, the Army eSports team, and world class strongmen, “Be All You Can Be!”, is an old slogan, but USAMSB Soldiers are anything but traditional.
The battalion consists of the Recruiting Outreach Company (ROC), the National Conventions Division and the Mobile Exhibit Company. USAMSB is co-located with its higher headquarters, the Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade. The brigade also includes the Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Moore, Georgia, and the Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights) at Fort Liberty, North Carolina
The ROC includes some of the Army’s most unique recruiting assets: the Warrior Fitness Team, the Army Esports team, the “As You Were” rock band, and the Outdoors team. Designed and created to support recruiting and outreach, these companies connect with future soldiers through shared passions that show the public there is more to being a Soldier than what is portrayed on television.
The Warrior Fitness Team consists of CrossFit athletes and Strongman/Strongwoman athletes. Within a training facility on Fort Knox, these athletes train up to four times a day to compete across the nation in well-known fitness events like Wodapalooza, and the Arnolds.
Like all competitors in the ROC, these athletes have a specific Military Operation Specialty (MOS). Capt. Syndey Moskovitz is a Field Artillery officer and Warrior Fitness Team CrossFit athlete.
“I think it is really cool that the Army supports Soldiers pursuing hobbies outside of military service,” Stated Moskovitz.
That sentiment is shared by Master Sgt. Josh Watkins, a member of the U.S. Army Outdoors team.
“Not only does the Army support these programs, but they have found a unique way to incorporate them into the recruiting process,” Watkins said. “It makes a difference when you are talking to young people, and they see you as a person. It makes the conversation easier and more natural.”
In addition to competitions, USAMSB Soldiers conduct high school visits, attend college fairs, and seek opportunities to share their Army story.
“It’s awesome!” said Staff Sgt Lance Young, a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and U.S. Army Esports competitor. “I love the look people give me when I tell them I am a Soldier, and my current assignment is to engage with people using a shared passion for online competition. It’s not what you first think of when you think of an Army soldier and that is what resonates with people and gets them engaged to talk to a recruiter.”
The ‘As You Were’ rock band writes and performs their own music and has shared stages with Kiss, Alanis Morsette and has performed at some of the nation’s biggest festivals like South by Southwest.
The National Convention Division and the Mobile Exhibit company travel the nation, bringing the Army experience to life. USAMSB exhibitors in these companies are all recruiters familiar with questions, concerns, and stories about Army service. Soldiers staff exhibits at festivals, fairs, malls, and schools giving visitors a first-hand 3D experience of how the Army is using Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), one of the fastest growing fields, to be leaders in today’s competitive job market.
All the soldiers in the Mission Support Battalion are active-duty Soldiers. Their interest and has found a way to incorporate that into the recruiting and accession mission.
Capt. Chris Phillips, the commander of the ROC said “The Soldiers do not get to stay here forever; they move on. But while they are here, they get to do what they love for a living, share that with the public and use their passion and talents to deconstruct some common misconceptions about the Army, and hopefully inspire the next generation of Soldiers.”
Story by Victoria McAdoo
U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade