WATERVLIET ARSENAL, Watervliet, N.Y. -- The Marines at Recruiting Station Albany, N.Y., have a new commander as Maj. Daniel M. Whitley turned over his leadership position to Maj. Matthew T. Milburn June 10.
The change of command marked the end of Whitley’s three-year tenure at the helm of RS Albany and the beginning of Milburn’s term as commanding officer of ten recruiting substations in upstate New York, responsible for accessing more than 700 recruits a year.
While recruiting duty is considered one of the most important and challenging duties in the Marine Corps, Whitley emphasized the importance of professionalism in helping recruiters achieve their goals. The image of the Marine Corps is exemplified by the Marines of RS Albany, who strive to project the values Marines are known for, Whitley said.
“This has been a very good tour. This is no different than any other job in the Marine Corps. It is not any more demanding or any more difficult. You have to be involved,” said Whitley, who hails from Massapequa, N.Y. “When we go out there and wear our uniform and act like Marines, and show the leadership traits we have as Marine leaders, we sell our profession and that’s what I’ve got to do for the last three years.”
Whitley departs a recruiting station that has achieved its recruiting mission for nearly 40 months straight. While the responsibility for success at the RS ultimately rests on the commander, Whitley was quick to stress the importance of teamwork in making mission.
“Just like any other challenge a Marine faces, a Marine rises to the occasion and makes the mission happen. [My success] has very little to do with what I did,” said Whitley. “I did not write one of those contracts. These recruiters did it but they didn’t do it alone. We had a very strong team and I was surrounded by some very good Marines who helped make our mission happen. I will put this recruiting station up against any other recruiting station in the nation.”
Assignment to a recruiting command is generally a three-year commitment. Only the most capable and driven majors are chosen to lead the recruiting effort as recruiting tends to be one of the most stressful and challenging duties in the Marine Corps. Since taking charge in June 2008, Whitley shored-up every facet of RS Albany, ensuring a smooth transition for Milburn.
The change of command was preceded by a thorough, hands-on exchange of professional experience between the leaders. Milburn credited Whitley for the sturdy structure at all levels of RS Albany, from the headquarters Marines to the newest recruiters on the street in each of RS Albany’s substations.
“Major Whitley's leadership emphasized the need to always remember that we are Marines first and foremost and that systematic recruiting is a proven approach to making mission,” said Milburn, who is originally from Richmond, Va. “Major Whitley provided inspirational leadership for all of the Marines in the station and he also expertly managed the physical and personnel assets to set the stage for success. I plan to capitalize on his efforts and continue to pursue the best means to motivate and support every Marine in the command.”
Looking forward, Milburn plans to continue down the path started by the Marines of RS Albany under Whitley’s charge. Not only did Whitley chart the course for success in recruiting at RS Albany, he instilled and reinforced the fundamental leadership traits that drive Marines to succeed, according to Milburn.
“Major Whitley lead by example, and all of us can learn from his style of leadership. I plan to mirror his approach by spending as much time as possible on the streets with our [recruiters],” said Milburn. “There are two priorities, quality and quantity. At the end of the day, our mission is to provide the quality and quantity of young men and women needed to keep the Marine Corps strong, relevant and successful.”