National Guard unveils recruiting plan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army National Guard has launched a new recruiting campaign aimed at prior-service soldiers.

The new effort, called Active First, is a program targeting recruits who "want to serve on active-duty but then are willing to return to the Guard to finish out the remainder of their initial military service obligation," according to the Army National Guard.

Recruits who enlist under this program serve in the Army National Guard until completing their initial entry training and then serve 30, 36 or 48 months on active duty. After completing their active-duty tour, recruits can re-enlist or return to the Guard.

“A lot of soldiers like the opportunity to serve their nation and come back and serve their community, as well," said Army Lt. Col. Gregg Bliss, branch chief for the National Guard Bureau recruit sustainment program, in a statement. "We think we’re offering them both options in a manner that really benefits them.”

The Army National Guard has had difficulties since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began. Officials say the target is to recruit into the program as many as 2,000 soldiers this year with as many as 1,400 later returning to the Guard.

“It spreads our good news story that Guard soldiers support their community and support their nation," Bliss said. "We think for all parties -- the Army, the National Guard and the soldier -- it’s a very positive opportunity.”