Active First Soldier Continues Custom

Active First Soldier Continues Custom
National Guard | SSgt. Jim Greenhill | February 29, 2008

ARLINGTON, Va. - Pvt. Raymond Loree has become the first Army National Guard Soldier to graduate directly into the active Army's ranks through a new program called Active First.

Loree graduated one station unit training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., on Feb. 22. He enlisted on Oct. 18 through the Active First program, under which recruits commit to service in the active duty Army followed by service in the National Guard. Recruits enlist in the Army Guard and attend monthly drills until initial entry training (IET) is complete.

Following IET, Soldiers can serve up to 48 months of active duty with the option to continue an active-duty career or return to their Guard unit. Bonuses of up to $60,000 can be obtained by completing the program. Loree, who enlisted for 48 months, is scheduled to receive $40,000. Married with two young children, he said the money will help his family.

The National Guard has been tasked with enlisting 1,600 recruits through Active First during the 2008 fiscal year; 984 Soldiers had been recruited through Feb. 20, according to Sgt. 1st Class David Hawkins, Active First lead project manager.

Loree is following a long-standing family tradition by serving in the military. A sister is serving in the Army in Afghanistan, and a cousin is in Kuwait. At least six other immediate family members, including both parents, are either retired from the armed forces or currently serving. His father spent more than 18 years in the Marines. His mother wore Air Force blue.


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