Recruiting and Retention Academy
Elevate your force. Qualify as a Certified Recruiting and Retention Specialist (CRRS).
Holistic Force Generation
The SGAUS Recruiting and Retention Academy curriculum is designed to move beyond
simple "headhunting" to a holistic model of force sustainability.
Completion of these requirements ensures State Guard recruiters are prepared to
not only access new volunteers but also identify retention risks, support family
readiness, and provide initial behavioral health awareness.
This curriculum aligns with the "Two Sides of the Coin" philosophy:
recruiting and retention are inseparable.
Successful candidates will earn the SDF Recruiting & Retention Badge
upon completion of all academic and practical phases, certifying them as a
Certified Recruiting and Retention Specialist (CRRS).
View Official CRRS Program Standards →
Training Requirements Checklist
Complete the following phases to qualify for the Certified Recruiting and Retention Specialist (CRRS) designation.
| Phase | Task Description | Required Course(s) | Provider | Type | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Emergency Management Basics Establish a baseline for NIMS/ICS operability. |
IS-100.C: Intro to ICS IS-200.C: Basic ICS for Initial Response IS-700.B: Intro to NIMS IS-800.D: National Response Framework |
FEMA EMI | Online (Independent Study) |
Course 100 Course 200 Course 700 Course 800 |
| 2 |
Family Readiness Awareness Understanding the impact of service on volunteer families to improve retention. |
Intro to Family Programs (or Service Equivalent) | SGAUS / State HQ | Online / Seminar | Module Access |
| 3 |
Behavioral Health Awareness Identifying "red flags" and distress signals in applicants and peers. |
Suicide Prevention Awareness Psychological First Aid (PFA) |
DHA / NGO | Online / Seminar | Resources |
| 4 |
Recruiting Ethics & Vocabulary Standardizing terms (Prospect vs. Lead vs. Applicant) and maintaining professional boundaries. |
CRRS Module 1: Foundations & Ethics | SGAUS Academy | LMS / Classroom | Academy LMS |
| 5 |
The Sales Process Techniques for engagement, questioning strategies ("How far will you drive?"), and overcoming objections. |
CRRS Module 2: The Sales Process | SGAUS Academy | LMS / Classroom | Academy LMS |
| 6 |
Practical Performance Demonstrated success in growing the force (required for Badge award). |
1. Accession of 3 Qualified Applicants 2. Staffing of 4 Lead-Producing Events |
Unit Command | Fieldwork | Validated by Unit Cmdr |
| 7 |
Retention Mentorship Sponsorship of new recruits through their first year of service (required for Badge award). |
Documented Mentorship Counseling | Unit Command | Fieldwork | Validated by Unit Cmdr |
Introducing the SUASO, Legal, and Recruiting & Retention Academies
EXPANDING EXCELLENCE:Introducing the SUASO, Legal, and Recruiting & Retention Academies Fellow Service Members, Building on the incredible momentum of our recent launch of the Medical, Chaplain, Engineer, and Communications programs, the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) is proud to formally [...]
Message from The Commandant
To the dedicated personnel committed to the growth and sustainment of our State Defense Forces: Welcome to the SGAUS Recruiting and Retention Academy. The strength of any volunteer force is not measured by its regulations or equipment, but by the quality and commitment [...]