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The Army is conducting a recruiting operation across the country this week.

Army National Hiring Days will be held at the Selma Army Recruiting Station, located in the Selma Mall, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SSG Chad Rainey, U.S. Army Recruiter in Selma and Deputy Station Commander, said the recruiting drive is important to the Army.

“This recruiting drive will help maintain the backbone of our nation’s defense and raise awareness of the Army’s variety of over 150 jobs,” Rainey said. “Many young adults are unaware that the Army has more to offer than what is seen in movies. We have career fields that are all-inclusive to every background, training and/or education level, and personal interests. But I would be remised if I didn’t say that Army National Hiring Day is more important to our great nation and its people rather than the Army alone.

Rainey added that the recruiting drive will strengthen the safety, security, and rights of all the American people. It will also provide career opportunities that carry with the many extra benefits that the Army has to offer such the Army National Hiring Day with a $1000-$2000 automatic enlistment bonus.

A Prattville native, Rainey said the goal is to enlist 10,000 Future Soldiers nationwide this week.

Rainey said COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t affected army recruiting.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed recruiting but not to the effect that it has slowed the rest of the nation,” Rainey said. “With the use of facemasks and proper social distancing in place Army recruiters have maintained their dedication to the safety of civilians, family and community.

“Army recruiters still continue to recruit in support of the Constitution, and the protected rights of the American people. The goal of Army National Hiring Day is to provide that safety by recruiting 10,000 Future Soldiers to insure all communities will be protected from harm in any shape or form.”

Rainey has served as recruiter at the Selma Army Recruiting Center since April 2019 and the Deputy Station Commander since February.

Rainey and his wife, Hope, have two sons: Robert and Kenneth.