PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PAYS)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program is an innovative, strategic Army marketing and recruiting program that establishes partnership program with a cross-section of U.S. industries and public sector agencies. This unique program is a part of the Army's effort to partner with America's business community and reconnect America with its Army opening the doors to possible employment opportunities.
Upon enlistment or contract agreement, Soldiers and ROTC cadets are guaranteed a job interview with a PaYS partner of their choice at the completion of their required Army obligations. PaYS provides America's youth with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. Soldiers who participate in the program develop valuable skills and experience, in addition to gaining opportunities for employment with organizations who understand the value of their military service.
The Army PaYS program supports the President's emphasis to provide employment opportunities for Veterans. This partnership connection provides a win-win situation for all.
The Army Soldier
The United States Army is made of committed Soldiers serving to protect America's freedoms and to preserve the peace. The Army instills the seven core Army Values; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage, in every Soldier during training. Soldiers live and breathe these values during their Army enlistment and will forever live up to this higher standard. During their enlistment soldiers receive hands-on training and field instruction in a specific career field. They also gain discipline, work ethic and maturity while learning to work as part of a team. Army education centers offer continuing education opportunities. Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) explains how Army Soldiers can meet civilian certification and license requirements related to their Military Occupational Specialties. Some credentialing and licensure is attainable within the first term of service. Visit www.cool.army.mil for more details.
The PaYS Soldier has the Army "stamp of approval." The Army is confident that the Soldier will benefit and be an asset to any company or organization. The tangible and intangible traits of the Army Soldier are desirable attributes heavily sought after.
US Army Cadet Command / Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
The US Army Cadet Command is the largest officer-producing organization within the American military, having commissioned more than half a million second lieutenants since its inception in 1916. It is one of the Nation's top leadership programs. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) has 273 programs located at colleges and universities throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico with an enrollment of more than 25,000. More than 40 percent of current active duty Army General Officers received their commission through Army ROTC. Cadet Command combines the character building aspects of a diverse, self-disciplined civilian education with tough, centralized leader development training. The commands mission is to recruit quality cadets; develop and grow confident, agile leaders; and motive young people to be better citizens. Reserve Component Cadets go directly into the Army Reserve or Army National Guard after graduation and commissioning and are available for immediate employment with their selected PaYS partner. Active duty Officers enrolled in the PaYS Program will incur a 3 or 4 year active duty commitment.
How to Become a PaYS Partner
The United States Army is one of the most trusted and respected institutions in America. A potential PaYS partner image should also reflect the highest of values.
- Interested companies or agencies should have a minimum of 500 employees. This quantity provides a company size that can reasonably predict future jobs. Smaller companies will have greater difficulty in making such a prediction.
- The partnership welcomes established companies and public sector agencies with secure reputations. Companies currently under investigation or receiving negative press do not qualify for partnership. Companies in the process of a merger are not qualified until after the action is complete.
- All positions identified must be for full time permanent employment. Positions reflecting a 40-hour workweek with a classification of temporary hire do not qualify. This includes temp agencies and/or placement agencies.
- The PaYS Program does not charge a fee to become a partner. In turn, companies that charge a fee for employment or placement do not meet qualification.
Getting Started
When a corporation, company, or public sector agency expresses interest in the Army PaYS Program, PaYS Marketing Analysts perform comprehensive research on the referred corporation, company, or public sector agency. The PaYS Marketing Analyst forwards a summary of the research and a recommendation to the PaYS Program Manager. Once approved, a representative from the local Army Recruiting Battalion schedules an appointment to present the PaYS Program Overview and answer questions. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is generated when an agreement to partner is obtained.
PaYS Program Summary
The Army PaYS Program is a "win-win" opportunity for everyone involved. The Army agrees to pre-qualify, train, and provide honorably discharged veterans and benefits by gaining valuable industry partners who acknowledge the Army as a quality producer of skilled employees.
- The PaYS Soldier agrees to fulfill their Army obligation and benefits with future hiring preference with the partnership company.
- The PaYS partner company agrees to reserve future positions in exchange for highly trained Army veterans.
- America benefits with a well-trained workforce that understands patriotic service.
Corporations, companies, and agencies that have signed a PaYS partnership agreement are incorporated into community-based grassroots programs and are informed and motivated Centers of Influence (COIs). PaYS partners become advocates and trusted sources of information that can positively impact local perceptions of the Army and build a more favorable Army recruiting environment.
The PaYS Marketing Analysts are available to assist you at every step of your journey to becoming a PaYS partner. We welcome your comments and input as our program grows. As you interview and employ PaYS Soldiers you will appreciate the high quality, dedication, values based work ethic they bring to your organization.
If your company is interested in joining this partnership, please visit the Partnership For Youth Success website at www.armypays.com.
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PAYS 3
Amazon
My name is Mark Campbell; I'm a recent college graduate that decided to join the National Guard and through the PaYS Program I was able to find a great career at Amazon.com.
Basically it works like, you get to select a company such as Amazon.com, that allows you to setup an initial interview. From that you get an opportunity to gain a job. Not guaranteed anything by any means, but to gain a job with that company in the civilian side.
WOODARD: We as an organization feel very strongly that through the PaYS program we will get a constant pipeline of individuals who are strong from a leadership prospective.
CAMPBELL: Right now I'm a second lieutenant in the engineers. I'm specifically a 21 Bravo, combat engineer. So right now my job is to basically to lead the platoon. For Amazon.com I am an area manager and I get to manage two separate shifts and that customer experience that Amazon.com is known for.
PHILLIPS: One of the things that's unique about Mark is that he is, immediately built a report and a relationship with his associates. And solidified a team that may have been having so issues initially with some management. He has come in there and solidified the team through his interaction and relationship building.
CAMPBELL: I feel like the Army has helped me prepare for Amazon.com because it allows me to manage multiple people at a time. It's a unique experience that you get from the military and it really applies to this side for Amazon, on the civilian side.
WOODARD: One of the things you now as an organization is that individuals, the individuals who are most successful with us, have a strong leadership acumen. The military helps to develop that set of skills in the individuals. And when they join us, actually their ramp of learning curve is significantly shorter.
PHILLIPS: One of the qualities they bring, is they have the ability to multi-task and make decisions in a fast paced environment. Make critical decisions in a fast pace environment. Which in what this environment is all about.
CAMPBELL: I feel like the PaYS Program was a great program because it did get me to Amazon.com. A great company where, it's just got my foot in the door. I'm already an area manager, plenty of room to grow with the company.
