The mission of the Recruit Holding Company (RHC) is to accept, welcome, integrate and process qualified applicants and prior service soldiers into the New Jersey Army National Guard (NJARNG) family. We also prepare them for shipping to Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

All non-prior service recruits joining the NJARNG report to the 1st Platoon and remain with the Platoon until they ship to Basic Combat Training. The recruit training is conducted under the guidance of the Soldier Empowerment And Readiness (SEAR) program, which consists of seven blocks of instruction designed to prepare new recruits for successful completion of basic training. The RHC is organized into three platoons. This structure helps the cadre focus on the individual Soldier's skill level.

The SEAR program breaks training into various phases. Non-prior service recruits receive instruction in topics ranging from Army values, combating peer pressure to final preparation for basic combat training.

During classroom breaks the recruits are turned over to drill sergeants from the Army Reserve for instruction in marching, military bearing and discipline. Physical training is also conducted by the drill sergeants. This allows the recruits to become familiar with the PT program prior to their arrival at basic combat training.

Soldiers who enlist for the Split Training Option (STO) are initially assigned to the 1st Platoon but report to 2nd Platoon upon completion of basic training. While in the 2nd Platoon the new Soldiers hone the skills they learned at basic training while awaiting their Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The 2nd Platoon provides more advanced instruction, as well as integration into the NJARNG by exposing STO soldiers to the units, equipment and missions of the NJARNG. Newly assigned prior service Soldiers awaiting seats for the warrior transition course receive additional duties and responsibilities. This program is designed to train prior service Soldiers in all Army military aspects, thus making the transition into New Jersey Army National Guard life as seamless as possible.

Prior service Soldiers, to include reserve component transfers and inter-state transfers, as well as Soldiers returning from AIT report to the 3rd Platoon. These Soldiers spend one drill weekend completing processing into the NJARNG. This includes completing administrative requirements to return the soldier from training and processing bonus entitlements. At the end of the weekend a "battle handoff" is conducted during which the new Soldier will meet representatives from his or her unit of assignment. If you are interested in joining the Traditional Drilling Guardsmen Cadre or need more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class John Quin at (609) 562-0743.