Active First recruit for INARNG                                           Story and photo by Spc. William E. Henry

The first Soldier in Indiana to be enlisted through the Active First recruiting program took her oath at the Indianapolis Military Entrance Processing Station, Fort Benjamin Harrison, October 24.

Pvt. Angelina Dillahay, with the advice of a friend who is an enlisted National Guard Soldier, said she visited the Martinsville National Guard armory wanting to learn more about what they could offer her after she found the Active Duty recruiters couldn’t help.

Dillahay spoke of efforts she made after talking to the Active Duty recruiters to no avail. ”I got online and did some research and found articles on the Active First program, and I told my recruiter about the program and what I wanted to do. After talking to him, he said he would help me.”

“We processed her through the Guard office last Tuesday. We tested her, got her documents, paperwork and dependency waiver for her 7-year-old son. She came to MEPS today, one week later, checked out physically and swore in,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hacker, Martinsville Army National Guard recruiter.  

“I applaud the patience and effort that came out of the National Guard office to make this happen today; everything has fallen into place,” said Hacker.

“For the first time in my life my dad said he was proud of me,” said Dillahay. “I look forward to training and gaining respect by making a difference,” she added.

Dillahay is set to leave for Ft. Jackson, S.C., for Basic Combat Training November 8, and will be attending Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., for a motor transport operator Military Occupational Specialty.

The Active First program lets Soldiers enlist through the Army National Guard, attaching them to a state unit Recruit Sustainment Program for pre-training until they leave for Initial Entry Training. The Soldier then transfers to an Active Duty unit after IET status, i.e., Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

After their term of 30, 36, or 48 months of Active Duty status, the Soldier would re-enlist with the Active Army component or transition back into the Army National Guard and receive another bonus. A Soldier can potentially earn up to $60,000 in bonuses.

For more information on the Active First program call 1-800-GOGUARD or contact your local area Army National Guard recruiter.

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