• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / Military / Iowa National Guard turning away some who want to sign up

Iowa National Guard turning away some who want to sign up

November 29, 2010 By Matt Kelley

Iowa National Guard recruiters are having to turn away some men and women who want to join their ranks. In recent years, up to 1,500 people have enlisted every year, maintaining the state’s Army and Air Guard strength levels at 100%.

Guard spokesman Colonel Greg Hapgood says Iowans are patriotic, plus, the economy makes the military a strong career choice.

“There’s not a waiting list, per se, but if you have a specific thing you want to do and that’s the only thing want to do, you may have to wait in order to let those spaces clear out,” Hapgood says. “In the Iowa Air National Guard, they do have some waiting for certain slots, depending on what those slots are.”

He says to help balance supply and demand, they’ve lowered the maximum enlistment age and raised test score qualifications. Hapgood says there aren’t enough open jobs for the men and women who want to wear the uniform.

“Congress only funds the National Guard up to so many people and when you start to exceed that number, that’s when they withhold funding for programs,” Hapgood says. “We want to make sure that we’re at the level we’re supposed to be so we don’t jeopardize any funding to train our soldiers and airmen, equip them and to make them the best possible ready force.”

Two months into the current fiscal year, the Army Guard has already reached 35% of its recruitment requirement. Hapgood says anyone wanting to try and join should do so before spring.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Military Tagged With: Iowa National Guard

Featured Stories

Speakers at trooper’s funeral describe Sgt. Smith as selfless, man of faith

Iowa unlikely to join 26 states with hands-free driving laws

Reynolds says Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause manageable

Iowa State Patrol tactical team leader killed in Grundy Center stand-off

Finalists chosen for the state’s top burger

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

High school sports and activities to pause for one week in July

Hawkeyes add post player

UNI’s Warren agrees to contract extension

Iowa State signs Kansas transfer

Drake elevates Pohlman to head women’s basketball coach

More Sports

eNews and Updates

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Archives

Copyright © 2021 ยท Learfield News & Ag, LLC