Army chief nominee would boost recruiting, but Tuberville blockade leaves his confirmation uncertain

WASHINGTON — The Army officer tapped to be the service’s next chief of staff outlined for senators on Wednesday his plan to fix what he described as the service’s top challenge — rebuilding recruiting — as it becomes clear the Army will again fall short of its enlistment goal. Gen. Randy George, the current vice chief of staff of the Army, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the service is looking at short- and long-term ways to improve how recruiters are chosen and deployed around the country, and to better tailor marketing to attract young people. Gen. James McConville, the Army chief of staff, said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday that preliminary estimates suggest the Army will recruit more than 50,000 soldiers this year, an increase over last year, but still short of it 65,000 goal. And I still use that because it was, because it has, and I think we need to get that word out.” George said he believes the Army must better tailor its messaging and marketing based on local areas, since national ads don’t always resonate in cities or towns.