US soldier gets $142,000 for being an ace recruiter

US SERGEANT Dana Kline is so good at recruiting National Guard soldiers that he is set to make a small fortune - US$94,000 (S$142,000) in bonuses.

Under the Guard Recruiting Assistance Programme, members of the auxiliary military are offered a US$1,000 bonus for every person they sign up and another US$1,000 when the recruit ships out to basic training.

Sergeant Kline, of Macon, Georgia, managed to get 47 recruits over 11 months, earning him the state's Meritorious Service Medal and the highest bonus paid to anyone through the programme.

The 33-year-old, who is not even a full-time military recruiter, found many of his recruits on trips to shopping centres, unemployment offices and schools.

'I like to recruit and to help guide young people's careers,' he said.

'I love to tell them about my experiences and the opportunities available in the Guard and let them decide for themselves.'

He credits the military with transforming him from a shy, skinny boy who cried on his first night in Marine boot camp into a confident, self-reliant adult.

He has, until now, earned a cheque for US$62,000 and is waiting for more payout when his recruits go for basic training.

So far, none of his recruits has been lost in combat, but they know the risks, he said.

'They hear in the news all the time about the roadside bombings,' he said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS