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What Families Need to Know About the Army’s Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP)

  • T Minus 22
The Army’s Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP) gives new Soldiers the chance to return home for up to 14 days after Advanced Individual Training—while getting paid—before reporting to their first duty station. During HRAP, they work alongside their local recruiter, visit schools and community events, and share their Army story to inspire future Soldiers. It’s not about signing people up—it’s about representing what’s possible and giving back to the community that shaped them. For families, it’s a rare and meaningful opportunity to welcome their Soldier home, celebrate their achievements, and watch them serve as a hometown ambassador for the U.S. Army.

Your loved one has taken the oath and is on their way to becoming a U.S. Army Soldier—what an incredible journey! 

As they move through Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), you may already be counting down the days until you see them again. But here’s some exciting news you may not have heard yet:

Your Soldier may have the chance to come home—and get paid for it—before reporting to their first duty station.

It’s called the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program, or HRAP, and it’s an amazing opportunity for both your Soldier and your community.

Here’s what every Army family should know.

What Is HRAP?

The Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP) allows newly trained Soldiers to return to their hometown for up to 14 days after graduating from AIT to support their local Army recruiter.

Think of it as a mini homecoming before their first official assignment—except this time, they’re coming back in uniform, with confidence, and with a mission:

To inspire the next generation of Soldiers right from the community they came from.

Why HRAP Is a Big Deal

For families, HRAP is a unique gift. It gives your Soldier the chance to:

  • Spend additional time at home before shipping out to their first duty station
  • Get paid their regular Army salary during the program
  • Reconnect with their roots, schools, mentors, and friends
  • Inspire other young adults in your community to follow in their footsteps
  • Continue building their confidence and leadership skills in a real-world setting

And yes—it counts as official Army duty time.

What Will My Soldier Do During HRAP?

While on HRAP, your Soldier will:

  • Report to the recruiting station where they enlisted
  • Visit local schools, events, or job fairs alongside a recruiter
  • Share their Army story with friends, peers, and future recruits
  • Offer insight into Army life, Basic Training, and career opportunities
  • Help their recruiter connect with new Future Soldiers

They are not required to sign anyone up for the Army—they’re simply there to share their experience and represent what’s possible.

Who Is Eligible?

To participate in HRAP, your Soldier must:

  • Be a new Soldier who has completed Basic Training and AIT or OSUT
  • Have no disciplinary issues during training
  • Receive approval from their unit and recruiting command

Encourage your Soldier to speak with their AIT leadership and recruiter toward the end of training to request HRAP orders.

How Can Families Help?

You can support your Soldier’s HRAP success by:

  • Letting them know about the opportunity early on
  • Encouraging them to maintain strong performance during training
  • Welcoming them home with pride and helping them re-engage in the local community
  • Sharing their story with neighbors, local schools, or even community leaders who might want to hear from a local hero

And most importantly: Celebrate how far they’ve come.

They’re not just returning as your son, daughter, spouse, or sibling—they’re coming home as a trained United States Army Soldier.

Final Thoughts: A Moment of Pride, A Mission of Purpose

HRAP is more than just a break—it’s a meaningful mission that allows your Soldier to give back, reconnect, and inspire others before heading off to their first duty station.

It’s a proud moment for your Soldier. It’s a proud moment for your family. And it’s a powerful way to help build hometown connections to America’s Army.

See you back next week! Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)