USAREC, Chicago Battalion

The United States Army Recruiting Battalion Chicago recruits Soldiers for both officers and enlisted ranks, to meet the needs of the United States Army Mission.  This is where the transformation from civilian to Soldier begins.  We are the Army's liaison with the American people.  We represent the United States Army with integrity and a professionalism that clearly demonstrates the warrior ethos and Army values.  We remain relevant and ready to provide the strength for our Army, today and into the future.

Through the years the Chicago Recruiting Battalion has placed thousands of qualified applicants into the Army. The Chicago area is one of the most diverse recruiting markets in the country. Recruits from the Chicagoland area add a unique dimension to the Army. The Chicago Recruiting Battalion is currently located on an annex of Naval Station Great Lakes, 35 miles north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The battalion's mission is to recruit for the active Army, United States Army Reserve, Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer Flight Training.  Chicago Recruiting Battalion has been a key contributor to the Army recruiting mission since 1966.

Recruiting Districts became Regional Recruiting Commands then Recruiting Brigades. The Chicago Battalion is currently under 3d Recruiting Brigade located on Fort Knox.  Chicago Battalion is located on an annex of Naval Station Great Lakes since the closing of Fort Sheridan in 2005.  The battalion footprint encompasses the area from the Wisconsin border on the north and south to Northwestern counties of Indiana; east from Lake Michigan to the western suburbs of Chicago. The battalion is comprised of  6 recruiting company headquarters and 32 recruiting stations located throughout Illinois and Indiana.  The battalion is comprised of officers, enlisted soldiers and department of the Army civilians.

Chicagoland is one of the most interesting places in the world to visit. From its historically significant - yet thoroughly modern - epicenter, the City of Chicago, to its neighboring communities, many of which serve as the homes of corporations, parks, museums, zoos, musical venues, and shopping and residential centers.

Arriving by automobile, train, bus or airplane is easy since the region boasts one of the nation's finest public transportation systems - including extensive mass transit that serves most corners of the region 24/7. Both of the city's airports (O'Hare International and Midway) are linked to downtown Chicago by 24/7 rail service.

Chicago offers some of the finest attractions, live entertainment and cultural experiences in the world, along with hotel, dining, parking, recreation/entertainment and shopping facilities to fit nearly every taste and budget.

Enjoy beautiful spring and fall weather with a stroll through the scenic trails at one of our many forest preserves. Birds are chirping, warm sun is shining, and coasters are poised for an early take off at Six Flags. Six Flags Great America opens for the season every spring and features many heart-pounding coasters for the younger enthusiasts and a waterpark. The fish are biting in Lake Michigan and the water is perfect for sailing or swimming.  To find out more about the Chicago Battalion go to our Facebook page at U.S. Army Recruiting Chicago or Chicago FRG.