REACHING MILITARY THROUGH ARMED FORCES SPONSORSHIPS
Are you interested in armed forces sponsorship?
Armed forces sponsorship is one of the smartest, most mission-driven strategies a brand can adopt to build credibility and loyalty within the military community. Through such sponsorships, brands can show appreciation for and connection to military life and service.
What Is Armed Forces Sponsorship?
Armed forces sponsorship is a brand partnership with a focus on reaching the military community. That may be through partnerships with military installations, events targeting a military audience, or general market events where the brand brings a military focus.
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Military base festivals, family days, or appreciation events
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Service branch sports or gaming tournaments
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Nonprofits supporting military families
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Transition programs for separating service members
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ROTC, JROTC, and military education programs
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Any event in which the brand executes a military-centric consumer activation
Why It Works
It takes authenticity to reach the military audience. The quickest way for brands to communicate their commitment to the military community and their service is to show support through sponsorship. Brands that earn their place within the hearts of the military community gain:
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Long-term brand trust from military families
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Better engagement and ROI from niche targeting
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Partnership opportunities with influential military orgs
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Internal morale boosts when teams know they're giving back
The Right Way to Sponsor Military-Centric Events
To win in armed forces sponsorship, skip the superficial stuff. Instead:
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Do your research on military culture and community needs
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Partner with military nonprofits or MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) offices
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Show up in-person! Face-to-face matters
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Tailor your messaging to resonate with the sub-set present (service branch, active duty or veteran, mil spouses, etc.)
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Focus on impact over impressions
Bottom Line
If you want to build a brand that resonates within the armed forces, sponsorship a commitment by a brand. And commitments mean a lot to the military community. Show up. Serve first. And your brand will earn loyalty the civilian world can't match.
Brands typically make attempts to connect and engage with the military community on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Throw in a discount and this is what the market has told the military to expect in the way of outreach. For a brand willing to do more, there is an opportunity to turn the heads of the ~40 million consumers that make up the military community.
Marketing to the military should be an “always on” mentality, not just a few touches throughout the year at the same time every other brand is doing the exact same thing. The military community is one of the largest American consumer segments, made up of people from all walks of life. Their diversity and lifestyle offer tremendous marketing opportunities through military event sponsorships to brands who serve every audience. For a brand to really connect with this group, a level of understanding is required – not just check-the-box marketing done on Veterans Day.
Does your brand have an effective strategy to connect with the military community? The Barracks can help. Our team designs and executes marketing and sponsorship campaigns targeting the military community. We deliver results because we understand the audience. We understand who they are, where they live, and what drives them. We speak their language. We connect with the military community through authentic messaging in channels where they are, with information relevant to their lives.
Armed forces marketing helps brands connect with the military community. Let’s talk about how we can help your brand.
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WHY US?
Our team designs and executes military marketing and sponsorship campaigns targeting the military community.
We deliver results because we understand the audience and how to position your brand message so that it resonates with a military audience.
We understand the pitfalls to avoid, the vernacular to use, and how to be authentic.
If your brand's military marketing strategy is offering a military discount, there is more opportunity for your brand to make an impact and connect with the armed forces as a growth strategy.
Let's talk.