Chaplain Stern’s Post

I find articles like this interesting. I don't think it matters where the Army spends its funds trying to recruit because they still have not solved one of the root causes for their issues: leadership & morale. If a potential recruit gains interest in the Army after seeing an ad, one of the first things those people do is reach out to friends and family who served to ask their opinion. If Army vets don't speak highly of their experience, the ad is neutralized. I regularly have people come talk to me about joining the Army, and 9 times out of 10 I point them towards the Air Force or Navy based on the occupation they are interested in because they will receive more professional and efficient training/experience than if they joined the Army. Army leadership needs to stop blaming everyone else and look at solving their own problems before they can expect recruitment investments to pay off. https://lnkd.in/gJDa7RYY

The US Army invested $11 million in a marketing deal with the United Football League (UFL) and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, aiming to boost enlistment. However, this high-profile partnership may have actually hurt the Army's recruiting efforts. Internal documents show the deal did not lead to a single new recruit and may have even resulted in a projected loss of 38 enlistments. The Army is now seeking to recoup $6 million from the UFL. The Army's marketing arm said the deal's materials were "out of context," but declined to provide more details or interviews. The UFL and Johnson's publicist also did not respond to requests for comment. This failed marketing venture highlights the challenges the Army faces in adapting its recruitment strategies to reach younger, digitally-savvy audiences. The reliance on traditional media channels and celebrity endorsements may not be as effective in the modern landscape. #Army #ArmyRecruiting #MarketingStrategy #DigitalTransformation #CelebrityEndorsements #MilitaryNews

Raise your hand. Who can explain the role the US Coast Guard played in last week's #NFLDraft? The Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in securing major events, including the NFL Draft. Military involvement in major events is mostly behind-the-scenes -- as is the majority of military service in general. Much like a long snapper on an NFL team, you may only pay attention to the military when something goes sideways. This unsung service is exactly what presents a unique opportunity for brands and agencies. Recognizing aspects of military service and the military lifestyle is the most direct path to connecting with one of the country's largest consumer segments -- as segment that runs 40M+ strong and spends $1.4T at cash registers annually. The NFL Draft is one of many examples where the military step in, unnoticed, and does their job. That same NFL Draft was also a platform to recognize military service. USAA did a good job of doing just that. Why are they the only brand at this party? Whether it's through military observances on the calendar or through cultural events, there are many opportunities for brands to proactively reach a new consumer group. Saying "thank you" while increasing brand metrics among a fiercely loyal consumer segment? Sounds like a solid growth strategy to me. It's not just about sponsorship or event production or large marketing campaigns; it's about creating meaningful connections that resonate with military community. #MilitaryMarketing #Marketing #Military #Branding

Wormuth: Army on Track to Meet Recruiting Goals Read more on the link below. #defense #sbir #military #jointwerx @jointwerx @blackhaysgroup #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #consulting #strategy #leanstartups #startup #growthhacking

Attennn-tion, brands! 🎖️ Let’s march through the marketing battlefield with Greg Potapenko, our seasoned strategist. He’s not just a marketer; he’s a commander-in-chief of campaigns, leading the charge with precision and flair. Launching Campaigns🚀 Greg doesn’t just fire shots; he launches campaigns like projectiles. His secret weapon? Conversion-optimized funnels that hit the bullseye every time. Battle-Tested Tactics 🔥 Greg maneuvers the digital landscape stealthily, targeting competitors one click at a time. Intel Gathering 💡 Greg’s intel network rivals any spy agency. He deciphers data faster than a code breaker, turning insights into winning strategies. ROAS Recon 📊 Return on ad spend (ROAS) is his battle cry. He calculates it with honed precision, ensuring victory for his clients. Decorated Marketer 🌟 Greg’s awards? More than a general’s medals. His campaigns shine brighter than polished boots on parade day. So fall in line, brands! Greg is leading the charge, and success is the only destination. 🎯💪 Watch Greg’s video introduction on YouTube 🎥 Connect and collaborate with Greg on Cansulta today (Links in Comments👇) #DigitalMarketing #DigitalMarketingStrategy #MarketingStrategy

Marketing, Trader Joe’s has nailed down how to market to their target audiences in their stores. The other day, I stopped in the store to snap a photo of this sign because I thought it was really clever. I had seen the ube pretzels before, but never felt drawn to purchase them until this trip, this sign. Your resume is like a Trader Joe’s sign, it’s your marketing piece that should make the employer want to say, “Yes, I want to have a conversation with him/her.” Does yours warrant that reaction? Give it a look and think of it as a marketing tool, one where you are showing off your skills, experience, and credentials. Draw their eye to your document and keep it there. When in doubt, consider what makes YOU different, showcase that. #transitioningmilitary #veterans #militaryspouses

Business goals/objectives can align with doing good for the military community, which not only impacts the bottom line but also creates lift in brand metrics among the military community.

I have known soldiers who have been on the battlefront at high altitudes, desperately grasping for air while being shot at by the enemy simultaneously, yet they refuse to use the phrase 'fast-paced environment' because there is no bomb with a timer risking civilian lives involved. Then there are Marketing CEOs, HR professionals, and LinkedIn pundits... #HumanResources #Marketing #Innovation #Advertising

This GAO report on military recruitment marketing is interesting — both for what it gets right and what it overlooks. Plans, metrics, goals, and reliable funding are critical to any marketing program’s success. No question. But what struck me was the lack of focus on content and tone. Traditional rhetoric and symbolism don’t resonate with Gen Z (and arguably not with Gen Y). Connecting with these audiences requires a shift toward 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 — not just for recruiting, but also for efforts to diversify the defense industrial base. Military organizations have an opportunity to rethink 𝙝𝙤𝙬 they communicate and 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 they communicate to meet these goals. It’s essential — and entirely doable with the right mix of commercial marketing principles and a bit of translation. It’s the kind of work we’ve been focused on at Market/Dean for years.

🎯 Are You Ready to Connect with the Military Community in 2025? 💡 2024 is wrapping up, and it’s time to reflect: 💭 How has your brand shown up for military families this year? This community represents more than just a market—they’re a force of loyalty, influence, and connection. Building trust here isn’t just about selling; it’s about relationships, impact, and authenticity. IGY6 Company, we’re here to guide you in turning that trust into long-term success. From tailored marketing strategies to meaningful social campaigns, we help you speak the language of the military community in ways that resonate. ✅ Let’s make 2025 the year your brand becomes an ally and advocate. Click below to schedule your personalized consultation and start building a lasting connection: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gqsy3gUE 💬 Tag a brand you admire that could make an impact in the military community! #MilitaryCommunity #AuthenticConnections #MarketingStrategy#LoyaltyMatters #IGY6