Correct me if I'm wrong shive1, but I think you were referring to a recruit's response to your effort, not when a battle is resolved. Recruits (or coaches) will respond at the start of the next cycle after your effort, i.e. at 11PM est if you put in the effort between 8 and 11PM. The only exception I am aware of is the case of recruits possibly not responding to your effort if they are not recruitable.