National Guard Recruiting and Retention Marathon Program Mission Statement

The mission of the National Guard Recruiting and Retention Marathon Program is to utilize members of the “All Guard” Marathon Team to promote the National Guard, and to enhance and increase its strength. The Marathon Program will work with the National Guard Recruiting and Retention Force at both local and national levels to promote the Army and Air National Guard, and the Military Competitions Programs. The Marathon Program will encourage and enhance the National Guard Retention Program by instilling physical fitness, self-discipline, and esprit de corps among National Guard members from all fifty states and U.S. Territories. The Marathon Program will provide for quality of life and better well being for soldiers and airmen of both the Army and Air National Guard.

Recruiting and Retention Focus

On 15 January 2003, National Guard Bureau implemented new guidance for the National Guard Marathon Program. With newly written guidance and a new title for the program (National Guard Recruiting and Retention Marathon Program), the primary focus of the program was for “All Guard” members to assume the role of Recruiter’s Aids for the Army and Air National Guard.

The “All Guard” athlete’s elite talent level serves as a platform to promote the National Guard in a positive and professional manner, and to enhance both Recruiting and Retention for the National Guard. It is the Recruiting and Retention side of the program that authorizes funding to attend running events; therefore, this area of focus is not to be compromised.