Required online training will include Ethics, Guard and Army Values, and duties and responsibilities of an RA.

Missouri Guard members who become Recruiting Assistants (RA) will earn $1,000 for each new, non-prior service, recruit who enlists and an additional $1,000 when that new Citizen-Soldier reports to Basic Combat Training. When recruiting prior service members, RAs will earn $1,000 upon the enlistment of the Citizen-Soldier and $1,000 when that Citizen-Soldier completes four training assemblies with the Missouri National Guard. There is no limit on the number of future Citizen-Soldiers an RA can bring into the Missouri National Guard.

The G-RAP is being introduced in Missouri, Kentucky, North Dakota, West Virginia and Iowa this week. By the end of January, 11 more states, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming, plan to join the program.

If the test program is successful, the program is expected to be implemented in all 54 states and territories by the end of September, 2006. All RA Members will be required to conduct and successfully complete the online training program.

“The Recruiting Assistance Program is an initiative from National Guard Bureau that promotes ‘Strength from Within' with a financial incentive to Recruiting Assistants,” Sidwell said. “It is a transformational approach to filling our ranks.”

Current Citizen-Soldiers may apply for the voluntary program online at www.GuardRecruitingAssistant.com. The RA applicant will be verified and hired by the program contractor. All RA activity will be conducted in a civilian, not military, status. Full time members of the Missouri National Guard are not eligible to participate in this program. The program began in Missouri on Dec. 1. Required online training will include Ethics, Guard and Army Values, and duties and responsibilities of an RA.