Driving the Mission: Two Marines take recruitment on the road with the Enhanced Marketing Vehicle

With wheels in motion, two Marine recruiters take the Marine Corps message directly to the American public - one city, one event, and one future Marine at a time.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brad Tischer and Sgt. Desmond Taylor Jr., both Enhanced Marketing Vehicle (EMV) Marines, use the EMV as a mobile extension of the Marine Corps’ recruiting mission. This asset helps them engage with communities, amplify awareness, and connect with others wherever the road takes them across the 9th Marine Corps District.

Normally they operate military vehicles, but their day-to-day on this duty looks a little bit different. Instead of operating a tactical military vehicle, they operate a custom wrapped semi-truck and trailer that markets the Marine Corps as it drives to its next destination. Not only are they responsible for hauling the EMV to events, but they are additionally responsible for maintaining and performing maintenance on the recruiting asset. 

“What I enjoy about being an EMV Marine is that it still relates directly to my primary military occupation specialty while being on recruiting duty,” said Tischer.

To become EMV Marines, Tischer and Taylor Jr. had to complete Basic Recruiters Course (BRC) and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to operate the EMV. BRC equips them with essential recruiting knowledge and communication skills, enabling them to confidently engage with potential applicants while on the road or at events. It also helps them better understand the wide range of career paths available in the Marine Corps.

“The most rewarding part is the job's ability to provide growth in myself and other people,” said Tischer.

While the EMV Marines play a key role in driving foot traffic to the EMV, they are not the only reason people stop in. The interactive experience that can be found on the inside of the trailer also contributes. An indoor simulated marksmanship trainer hides inside the EMV, allowing participants to test their shooting skills with various simulated ranges and marksmanship exercises. As people stop by the EMV, both Tischer and Taylor take the opportunity to connect to individuals on a personal level. Some may be veterans, others may have family who have served or are currently serving, and some may be interested in taking the next steps to earn the title of a United States Marine.

“Being able to interact with people and hear their stories… is probably the best part of my days while on the road,” said Taylor Jr. 

As the Marine Corps continues to evolve its approach to recruiting, Marines like Sgt. Tischer and Sgt. Taylor Jr. remain on the road bringing the Marine Corps experience wherever they go. Whether they are sparking interest at a high school event, connecting with families at a local fair, or sharing their stories one-on-one, their ability to transition behind the wheel to the frontlines of community engagement reflects the essence of the Marine Corps - mission-ready and people-focused. Each mile they drive, each conversation they have, or each connection they make could be one more step closer to changing someone’s life.