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Arizona National Guard sees spike in recruitment amid pandemic

"We get to not only serve our country through overseas missions but stateside missions like the current COVID," Captain Jose Narcia said.

ARIZONA, USA — The Arizona National Guard is seeing a huge boost in recruiting engagement through social media. 

Many are hoping to help with the current situation but more so the overall good of the country. Recruitment numbers are booming and Citizen Soldiers we spoke to, like Captain Jose Narcia says, they're anxious to help America through all its hardships.

"It's been overwhelming since the Guard got deployed," Cpt. Narcia said.

They're also noticing an increase in curiosity when it comes to our National Guard.

"People and recruiters are getting to see firsthand what we actually do and how we actually get to support people," he added.

Private First Class Adriana Fuentes is a first-year rookie, already feeling the real-life impact and reward of joining, even while she was in high school.

"It gives better for everyone around you for your peers and it just motivates you and gives you a purpose," she said.

In recent weeks, the purpose is turning into roughly a 300 percent bump in people hoping to be a part of timely missions.

"We get to not only serve our country through overseas missions but stateside missions like the current COVID, or wildfires up north or hurricanes, things like that," Cpt. Narcia added.

Social media has made it easy for interested candidates to ask common questions and for those new to the branch to brag about the benefits.

"The experience has been phenomenal there's been a lot of good challenges at basic and AIT, I made a lot of friends and learned a lot about myself," Jacob Longacre said.

With so many needs in the country right now, especially "The Guard, the Citizen-Soldiers" are sure to step up when America's strength is tested.

I.D. Cards/DEERS Transactions: (602) 267-2750 Military Clothing Sales: (602) 275-8307 Education Services Assistant (MGIB): (602) 267-2445 MILPAY: (602) 629-4233 Medical Files and Records: (602) 629-4370 Inspector General: (602) 267-2670 Judge Advocate General (JAG): (602) 267-2588

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