First to Strike

S2E1 - You can have a life and serve your country in the United States Army. Meet CSM Jennifer Shoats and hear about how she made the decision to join the Army. The conversation turns to the physical and mental transformation that can occur when someone serves. CSM Shoats explains how she is a wife and mom and can have a life and a great career in the US Army.

S1E7 - The Army is an Opportunity…. if you seize it. On this episode of FIRST TO STRIKE, you will hear from a wide variety of Soldiers and get their input on the opportunity the Army offers. We hope these opportunity topics give you some information and insight to help figure if Army service is right for you.

This is the final episode of Season 1. Listen, share, and enjoy First to Strike.

S1E6 - Army life: What is it really like serving in the Army? Do you ever wonder about making friends in the Army, can you have a family if you serve? What about just the day to day of being in the Army? Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Hand and Staff Sergeant Christopher Hand are husband and wife… and both soldiers. They give some straight answers about their own family, how the Army serves families, making friends, and everyday life while you serve.

S1E5 - Benefits! When you are thinking about serving in the United States Army, you are thinking about your future, and it’s natural to make plans about your financial goals, too. Staff Sergeant Daniel Brooks, a virtual recruiter in Baton Rouge, joins us on the First to Strike podcast to talk benefits and other opportunities offered by Army service. SSG Brooks explains all the programs that can be used for your education.  The show closes by discussing opportunities to travel and overall quality of life.

S1E4 - STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM is a hot issue both in education and the changing job market. Ken Bradford is a United States Army Veteran who now is the Assistant Superintendent for Louisiana Department of Education. Who better to tell us all about education, STEM, and Army experience and how all those things can come together for those who serve. Plus: bonus interview. We speak to SSG Meaux who is a virtual recruiter.

S1E3 - Jobs, jobs, jobs! When you get into the Army, you get a job. For some people, the whole reason they join the Army is to be trained in a profession and career of their choosing. On this episode of First to Strike, we speak to Master Sergeant Morris Tate and we break it all down, cover all the details about what it means to have a job in the Army.

S1E2 - Future Soldiers is a program designed to help young people who have made the decision to enlist in the Army GET READY. This is Season 1, Episode 2 of First to Strike the podcast of the Baton Rouge Recruiting Battalion. On this episode, we’re going to get to hear from some students who are currently in the Future Soldiers program. Featuring interviews with Staff Sergeant Alvin Kitt and Staff Sergeant Ulysses Stewart.

S1E1 - Meet your recruiters! You might have seen them in your school or in your community—they are recruiters for the United States Army and they are ready (and able!) to answer your questions about serving. The show begins with Lt. Colonel Eric Salisbury and he shares his own experience serving, and also discusses the opportunity offered by the Army. We talk to several recruiters to get their perspective and they answer many of the Army questions you might have.

S1E0 - Introducing First to Strike, the new podcast of the United States Army, Baton Rouge Recruiting Battallion! On the first season of First to Strike, you are going to hear from Soldiers, Recruiters, students, and Veterans to help you decide if Army service is right for you. Real answers to real questions. Listen and share First to Strike.