The Recruiters Role | Life as a Marine

The Recruiter's Role

Transcript:

>> MAJ. JASON SMITH: I think most people would be surprised to find out how extensive the recruiting process is. I think that there is a misconception that if someone walks into the office, that--and they want to be a Marine, that we just put them into a van and ship them off to Parris Island. When people start to find out what a recruiter does, they are, almost without exception, surprised. >> STEVE TALLENT: I was a little bit wary. I was kind of prepared for there to be a lot of happy talk about, "Oh, gosh, you can pretty much get in here and choose your job," you know, and "Oh, combat? Oh, no. That's--that's not--that's overblown. That'll never happen to you." That wasn't the case. Staff Sergeant Morris was pretty honest in terms of pointing out the good things and the--and the potential frightening things about being a U.S. Marine. >> HANK ROBERTS: The things that he talked to Henry about were not glory and things like that. He talked to him about character traits. He talked to him about leadership. He talked to him about development. He talked to him about important things. And that was what drew Henry to them. >> DR. BARRY ERDMAN: He gave me straightforward information. He pulled no punches. I mean, he told me the truth the way things are. >> RITA STIGALL: They made us feel very comfortable with the decision that he was about to make. They answered all our questions. We discussed what he would be doing, opportunities that were there for him, how he could excel if he, you know, applied himself. >> ALOMA HARRIS: The recruiters were very supportive and answered questions. And actually, they became, I felt, like part of our family. >> ROBERT DENLINGER: When the recruiters come here, they're very--they've been very intelligent, very articulate. And they speak to the students in a way that some of the other representatives haven't been able to. They're professionals. They seem to tell the students the truth. >> GARY SIMON: The recruiters were very personable, very nice and could easily talk to parents. And I thought that was--that was really great. And they put at ease my concerns about what Josh was going to go through. 00:02:14:15

Marines recruit the best and brightest of America's youth by assigning experienced Marines to Recruiting Stations, Recruiting Sub-Stations and Officer Selection Stations across the United States and territories. When on recruiting duty, it is the recruiters' job to answer questions, visit high schools, talk with families and help high schoolers understand and prepare for service.

Marine recruiters usually rank as Sergeant or above, which means they have had four or more years of experience in the Marine Corps. They know what it is to serve as a Marine. Meeting a Marine recruiter gives you personal access to someone who has lived the Marine lifestyle. They are an important resource for you, not just for your son, daughter or student.

The recruiter will take your son, daughter, or student through essential information about enlistment requirements, Marine Corps specialties (the term for a Marine's job) and technical training, and what life is like as a Marine. Visiting the recruiter together is a chance for you to learn more about the opportunity for him or her in the Marines or Marine Reserves. You should be as honest as possible with the recruiter and your son, daughter, or student about your concerns and ask tough questions. The recruiter will guide you based on experience and knowledge.

No matter where you are in the decision-making process, talking to a recruiter can give you more information. It's not just a step to take when you're ready to sign paperwork—you may visit a recruiter at your local Recruiting Station, talk to your recruiter over the phone or arrange a visit in your home at any time.

Recruiting duty is as important a role in the Marine Corps as any other. Marine recruiters take it seriously and feel a great responsibility to fulfill the job to the best of their ability. Many Marines say that recruiting duty is among the most rewarding assignments they have had as a Marine, because they are helping to ensure the high standards and future of our Corps.

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Comments (8)

Mother

My son will be 20 in Dec. He has always wanted to be a Marine. Well he went to a recruiter back in June 2011. Since then he has taken his Asvabs, turned in all his personals Birth cert. Diploma, ect. Background has been done all he is waiting for is to do Meps and PT. Well he has been calling his recruiter daily for the last month and has had no response. He called him back one time and told him he would call him tomorrow that he has just been so busy. Well guess what no word!

My question is, is this normal? Is there a waiting list to go in? Or do we just need to find a new recruiter? I mean its been almost 4 months and hes ready to go and his recruiter keeps putting him off because hes busy!! I just need some answers! Please help!

Thank you

Posted by: Lynn Purcell on 10/12/2011

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Other

My son, age 20, took the initiative to speak to a recruiter and came home telling me (since he hasn't graduated from high school) that he either needed to get his diploma via home schooling (which we tried for his senior year and failed to accomplish) or through cyberschool-which is not very possible since he insists on having a job and cyberschool requires specific online times with instructors. Or if he went for his GED he would require some type of college classes. The GED is the way he was planning on going until he spoke to the recruiter, now he refuses to go this route, even though he passed the pretest with no problem and could go any time to take the GED test.
I would like to know why and what type of college classes are needed if he graduates via GED testing? I'm afraid to call the recruiter he spoke to incase for some reason he was given the wrong information; but he said he would need like 15 college credits if he gets his GED, but I don't understand the difference in graduating via home school/cyber school or GED.
Thank you.

Posted by: Christel Carr on 07/05/2011

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Supporter

I have a question: My son intends to join the Marines and has already began talking to a recruiter. He will be 17 and said there is an early start program with boot camp in the summer months (between 11th and 12th grade)? Then he will return home in the fall to complete 12th grade. Where can I find the information regarding this program? Thank you for your time, Peter

Posted by: peter storlie on 02/21/2011

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COMMUNITY MANAGER

Marjorie-
Thank you for your interest in the United States Marine Corps. Please note that our training is limited to United States Citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens. If you are a foreign national residing abroad, please contact your nearest United States Embassy for additional information on joining the Marine Corps.

-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager

Posted by: Community Manager on 01/07/2011

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131

Mother

We are American Citizens currently living in Paris France. Is there a Marine Recruiter currently in Paris? Who can my son Benjamin (16 yrs - 11th Grade) speak to ? Thank you -

Posted by: Marjorie Israel Chayette on 11/06/2010

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171

Friend

I should really show this to my parents. I am 17 years old and im already talking to a recruiter. But my parents aren't too happy with that because they think Marine recruiters just tell them the good stuff so my parents won't worry! I hope this video will change their perception.

Posted by: Antonio Villaceran on 11/03/2010

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COMMUNITY MANAGER

To contact a Recruiter, please fill out the RMI form on Marines.com
http://www.marines.com/rmi

Posted by: Community Manager on 09/13/2010

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190

Mother

It would be great to add a section that provides contact information for each of the Recruiting Stations. I cannot tell you have many times I had to search frantically for that dog-earred Recruiter card in my wallet!

Posted by: Dee McHugh on 09/03/2010

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201