Army National Guard has twist on recruiting

| 28 Sep 2011 | 03:06

WEST MILFORD — The Army National Guard brought a twist on recruiting to West Milford High School on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The program is called “Educating the Educators,” and involves teaching high school administrators and teachers about the Army National Guard. According to Sgt. Kevin Morse of the NJ Army National Guard, the program is not new, but has recently been revived. On Wednesday, Morse, along with some of his fellow guards flew onto the practice football behind the high school at about 8:30 a.m. while students craned to see out windows. As pre-arranged, they then invited Principal Maureen Bernstock and several other staff members, including several from the guidance department, for a helicopter ride to Fort Dix in South Jersey. There, the group was treated to lunch and a tour of the base. Bernstock reported that the tour was eextremely informative. “It gave us a very good sense of what the National Guard is about and that they offer a couple of very viable alternatives to students.” She was particularly impressed with a 23-week program that allows 17-year olds to earn their diploma and go through basic training without a longer commitment. The National Guard will come back to the high school in the spring.