As recruitment became difficult due to the shortage of jobs due to COVID-19, the U.S. Army offered an unprecedented enlistment bonus.
According to foreign media such as CNN on the 13th local time, the U.S. Army announced that it will pay up to $50,000 (about 59.4 million won) to new recruits who promise to serve in the military for the next six years.
The U.S. Army has been providing bonuses of up to $40,000 (about 47.52 million won) to encourage young people to enlist, but this time it has decided to increase it by 25%, or $10,000 (about 11.86 million won).
However, the bonus amount varies by class, and the maximum amount is set only for applicants in certain fields, such as missile defense agents, special forces, signal intelligence analysis, and battlefield fire control missions.
The reason the U.S. Army raised its enlistment bonus is because of the shortage of jobs due to COVID-19.
The U.S. Army visits high schools and universities every year from February to May to encourage enlistment, but as these face-to-face events are suspended due to the closure of schools due to COVID-19, recruiting is having a difficult time.
"Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools are closing and competition in the job market is fierce, making it difficult to recruit new recruits," said Kevin Burrine, commander of the U.S. Army's Recruitment Command, in an interview with the Associated Press.
He added, "In a highly competitive market, how much bonus is given is a very important factor. Providing a high level of bonus will attract talent coveted by private companies into the military," he said.
This is a 'news pick'.
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