Army partners with Sandboxx to launch app that increases engagement with recruits and helps them prepare before basic training

Editor’s Note: This press release written by Lt. Col. Kamil Sztalkoper was originally published by the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army Recruiting Command and the Army Recruiting and Retention Task Force (ARTF) have partnered to launch a new program, the Prep for Success Digital Engagement Experience. This program aims to enhance the Recruit-Recruiter experience by helping future Soldiers prepare for basic training while streamlining the recruitment process. Applications designed to serve as training aides and information guides are easily downloaded directly onto the cell phones of recruits at no cost. At the same time, Recruiters get a new tool making it easier for them to do their mission.

Late in the Fall of 2022, the ARTF held a design-thinking workshop that included Army recruiters, Army Reserve officers, other members of the Army’s accessions enterprise, and even some members of the Air Force. During the workshop, the need for an enhanced engagement experience between recruiters and prospective recruits became glaringly obvious.

Several of the Army Reserve officers with civilian careers in recruiting or in technology and design, brought innovative ideas to enhance employee and customer experience. The Prep for Success Digital Engagement Experience creates a connection between the recruit and the Army through an immersive digital environment that offers a range of resources to prepare them for a successful start by first meeting the demands of basic training.

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U.S. Army Infantry soldiers-in-training assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, begin their first day of Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) October 21, 2022, on Sand Hill. (Photo by Capt. Stephanie Snyder/Fort Polk Public Affairs Office)

The program has helpful information such as: Practice the ASVAB; Basic Training Life; Military Time; the Army’s Mission; and what things to bring to basic training.

“This digital engagement experience intends to be a valuable tool for anyone entering the U.S. Army and for the hardworking Recruiters making that happen,” said Maj. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, Director of the Army Recruiting and Retention Task Force.

“Basic training is a new and unknown event at the beginning of an Army enlistment, but with the right preparation, future Soldiers succeed and thrive. Our goal with this program is to ensure that every future Soldier has access to tools and resources that take the unknown out of the equation, provide coaching and learning, and set every one up to succeed in basic training and beyond,” said Kotulich.

The launch of the Prep for Success Digital Engagement program comes at a critical time for the U.S. Army, which has faced a challenging recruiting environment. The Army has put pressure on itself at all echelons to find new, out-of-the-box ways to attract and retain high-quality Soldiers. Generation Z is most comfortable with resources available through their personal cell phones and the Army is meeting them where they are with this innovative approach to engagement.

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Army recruiters talk to people attending the Chennault Air Show in Lake Charles, May 27. (Photo by Chuck Cannon/Fort Polk Public Affairs Office)

“The app has been really beneficial to me and our recruiting office,” said Sergeant Trawn Smith, a recruiter assigned to Clifton Park, NY.

“It is easily accessible and better than social media. I can take my barcode, print it out, post it around my recruiting table at a high school or event, and allow anyone to quickly start learning about the Army. And the best part is that interested applicants love the app because it is easy to use and they are learning the many things the Army offers, especially how many different jobs exist,” said Trawn.

Being able to select and see what was on the Army’s list of jobs and ease of use led an applicant to begin the application process following his interaction with Sgt. Smith and the program.

“Seeing each and every portion of how the Army recruitment process works, and the many jobs available and how they would fit me as a person,” said Christian, a future Soldier from Clifton Park, NY helped in making his decision to enlist.

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Capt. Joy R. Petway administers the Oath of Enlistment to Staff Sgt. Julie Charles at the 88th Readiness Division Headquarters, Fort McCoy, Wis., Nov. 22, 2022. (Army photo by Cheryl Phillips)

The Prep for Success Digital Engagement program represents a significant step forward for the U.S. Army in its mission to recruit and retain the best possible candidates. By enhancing the Recruit-Recruiter experience and increasing the ability of Recruiters to make every contact count, the program has the potential to have a lasting impact on the Army’s ability to meet its recruitment goals with high-quality candidates ready to be part of a highly-skilled, well-trained Force.

“This app is a possible game changer for our organization,” said Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, U.S. Army Recruiting Command Commanding General. “Not only does it help prepare future Soldiers for the Army; it bridges the gap between the public and the Army and gives our Recruiters the capability to identify and attract future talent.”

The Prep for Success Digital Engagement Experience program uses the Sandboxx app, which was created in 2012 and has been known as a mobile platform designed to facilitate communication between military service members and their families and friends.

The app aims to simplify the process of sending letters, photos, and support to military personnel during basic training or deployment. Recently, Sandboxx added additional features and services, including the launch of Muster, to connect more of the military community and assist military recruiting commands meet their respective missions.

Feature Image: Soldier uses the Sandboxx app. (U.S. Army)

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