The Army Reserve has played a major role for more than half of Christopher Kennedy's life.
“You know the Army has been sort of the basis of my life,” Kennedy said. “It has given my life structure and purpose.”
So for this soldier, a $300 million dollar plan by the U.S. Army to retain and recruit soldiers can only produce positive results.
“It's great that the Army is so able to respond to the needs of the times and grow or shrink so rapidly,” he said.
This increase is a result of the National Defense Authorization Act -- legislation that sets budgets for the Department of Defense.
By October 1 the U.S. Army is seeking six thousand new active duty soldiers.
Nearly $200 million dollars will go toward Army bonuses, with some recruits receiving an almost doubled signing bonus. The Army will also offer shorter contracts.
Kennedy believes these two moves will attract more potential soldiers. He also hopes the military looks to recruit those who've previously served.
In 2015, the Army began cutting troops and civilian employees by the tens of thousands following the peak of fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
But come October, this service member says there's no doubt somehow those positions will be filled.
“Recruiting goals can sometimes be difficult,” Kennedy said, “but it's rare that the United States military does not accomplish a goal that it sets out to.”
