MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- On Oct. 5, the Marine Corps Recruiting Command introduced Marine Connect, a new Facebook application which allows Marines, poolees and Marine Corps supporters to network and stay connected.
“The Marine Connect application was created to increase the fan base of the Marine Corps’ social networking presence on Facebook, in order to generate positive awareness for the Corps and its mission,” said Capt. Frederick Evert, lead generation officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and project manager for the Marine Connect application.
In order to start ‘connecting’, all folks need to do is sign up for an account, select their status and enter some basic contact information. Once registered, users will immediately be able to start networking and searching for friends.
According to Evert, the application offers different ways for users to network, connect, or search for other users.
One method for users to search is via the interactive map, a map of the United States that is populated with pop-up pins highlighting users by location. The city and state of all users is plotted on the map.
“The interactive map will allow users to find people based off where they are located at in the country,” said Evert. “If you want to find Marines from Michigan, you’ll be able to scan the map to locate them and see what their connection to the Marine Corps is.”
Another way for users to search is via the Marine Connect filter tool. This tool allows subscribers to search for other users by selecting different dropdown fields, such as category, rank, name, current location or hometown.
Marine Connect will be a useful resource for young people interested in joining the Marine Corps. The application will feature links on the interactive map that provides prospects with additional information about the Corps and contact information for their local recruiters.
Although the primary purpose of the application is to support recruiters and officer selection officers, officials believe the tool will also be used by active duty and former Marines.
“Marine Connect will enable Marines stationed at a duty station to connect with others from the same hometown or geographical location,” Evert said. “This could be useful during the holidays as Marines could team up and ride home together.”
Marine Connect will also help Marines keep in contact with one another after they have changed duty stations.
“I think the application is pretty cool, because it will help Marines keep in contact with each other even as we move around,” said Cpl. Nicholas Schulte, network administrator, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Regardless of how folks use Marine Connect, the recruiting command’s primary goal is to build a greater fan base and to educate folks about the Marine Corps via Facebook.
“By having an increased fan base, we’ll boost awareness and are able to spread our message of opportunity to a greater audience,” said Evert. “We strive to ensure our message is delivered in every community and to as many folks as possible.”
To subscribe and ‘get connected’, Facebook users should go to http://apps.facebook.com/marine-connect and register.