In New Post, General Billy Cooper Leads Army Effort To Recruit Young Members

Jet, March 1, 1999

Brigadier General Billy R. Cooper, who has assumed the duties of Deputy Commander East at the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, says recruiting is a top priority for the Army.

"Recruiting is the most important function the Army performs today," he explains. "If quality young people don't enlist in sufficient numbers, training seats go empty, and the best equipment in the world goes unmanned."

Gen. Cooper is responsible for all Army recruiting activities east of the Mississippi River, in North and South Dakota, and Germany and Puerto Rico.

In his new post, Gen. Cooper brings more than 30 years of Army training and leadership to the tough assignment of helping his recruiters succeed.

Army recruiting is under pressure from an improved job market, decreased propensity for military service among prospects, and increasing opportunities for young people.

The Army has raised its money-for-college offer up to $50,000 in November 1998, in addition to enlistment bonuses of up to $12,000 and job training in more than 250 job specialties.

Cooper, originally a draftee, sees today's all-volunteer Army as very different from the Army he was drafted into.

"The real Army is the enlisted soldier, and the young people in the Army today are outstanding, highly motivated and very dedicated. I visit high schools and colleges all over the country and speak with young people every day ... I find them committed to improving conditions for themselves and their families and to what's good in America.

"The Army is making that possible for many."