CRAIG MORGAN'S MILITARY CAREER IS GETTING AN EXTENDED PLAY


By bblouin
Country music superstar Craig Morgan enlisted into the Army July 27 in Nashville, TN.

In the country world and beyond, Craig Morgan needs no introduction. Such is the case when you’re playing shows around the world, including the infamous Grand Ole Opry. However, it’s Craig Morgan military endeavor that is getting people’s attention these days. You don’t even have to be a die-hard fan to realize Craig Morgan's military career as a Soldier in both the U.S. Army and Army Reserve is well-documented. Now, he has reenlisted at the age of 59. Related read: Become a Personal Trainer or Yoga Teacher, California Style, With Your GI Bill

Was Craig Morgan in the Military?

Yes, Craig Morgan, military Veteran, has served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve. Previously, Morgan was a Soldier in some capacity for 17 years after enlisting when he turned 18 years old. During this time, Craig Morgan's military rank was that of Staff Sergeant. Now upon his reenlistment, he is a Warrant Officer candidate. Once a Fire Support Specialist, this go around for Craig Morgan, military service will see him help out as a celebrity recruiter. Known for hit tracks like “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” Morgan rejoined the Army Reserves while performing his set in Nashville, Tennessee at the Grand Ole Opry on June 29, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwYPfooOyYg After the show, Morgan spoke on his reenlistment, stating, “I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be in hopes of encouraging others to be a part of something greater than ourselves. I love being an artist but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow Soldiers.” Gen. Andrew Poppas, the Commanding General of Army Forces Command, conducted the ceremony and has been a huge fan of what Morgan does for the military for quite some time. Speaking on the matter, Gen. Poppas said, “He’s always out there, he visits Soldiers everywhere, whether it’s in the States, overseas. I’ve seen him in combat locations and he’s always engaging, he’s always entertaining and he’s always inspiring those that have put themselves in harm’s way. He’s a hell of a patriot.”

A Noted Figure Within the Military Community

It's noted that Morgan enlisted in the Army at 18, and that enlistment would turn into 17 years of service. His fans know it and it's a part of his art and celebrity personality. But his time working within the military community doesn't just start and end with his service as a part of the 82nd Airborne Division, and 101st Airborne Division, and his participation in the 1989 invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause). You'll find that after becoming a country music star, Morgan never forgot those sacrifices to give him the freedom to pursue his new career. His art has continued to inspire troops throughout the U.S. military and USO tours are commonplace on Morgan's touring schedule. This includes playing in Afghanistan, Germany, and Iraq to help boost morale. Suggested read: The Uproar of Team Lioness: How Taylor Sheridan’s Show Got it Wrong

Missing Recruitment Goals Inspired the Reenlistment Decision

After seeing the Army recruitment struggle in 2022, the process to re-enlist Craig Morgan began. With Army enlistments falling short of the target, Morgan reached out to Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and, with the help of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), initiated his re-enlistment. Morgan expressed his desire to contribute more and recapture the magic of camaraderie. Now, as Staff Sgt. Morgan, he will serve in a recruiting role at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, but will also pursue becoming a Warrant Officer candidate. “There’s so much that I’ve missed. The friends, the feeling of a sense of accomplishment. I realized that I’ve missed it so much and I truly believe that I still have more to give,” said Morgan.

Craig Morgan Military Career Encore is Due to Enlistment Exceptions

35 years old is the maximum age that you can be to enlist in the Army Reserve. This is part of why Morgan’s story has garnered attention. Is he getting special treatment because he’s a celebrity and a Veteran? It sure seems so, and it sounds like a great decision. The Army, including the Reserves, has exceptions in place for people to enlist when they're older. This is a key guideline as it allows for exceptions such as Morgan, a hero that is looking to continue contributing in meaningful ways that further necessary work for his country. As a celebrity, Morgan’s voice will be amplified during a time in which recruitment needs a real boost. It’s truly a win-win for everyone and an exceptionally genuine and noble act from the country star himself. For Craig Morgan, military service is entering its next leg of the tour and he’s headlining up the recruitment efforts to bring in the next generation of Soldiers. Read next: Military Recruitment Marketing: Using Video Games To Recruit Troops


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