MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION NEW JERSEY -- Recruiting campaigns come and go, but the memory of last month’s Operation Harper’s Ferry, will forever be in the minds of the recruiters at Recruiting Station New Jersey. Campaigns such as Operation Harper’s Ferry are designed to keep morale high while simultaneously supporting the mission of the command.
John Brown, an abolitionist, led 21 men on a raid of the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, VA., on Oct. 16, 1859, in the attempt to seize arms for the purpose of galvanizing slaves to fight for freedom. His actions were thwarted by then Col. Robert E. Lee, Lt. JEB Stuart, Lt. Israel Green, and a force of U. S. Marines from the Barracks in Washington D.C. (8th & I Streets).
Although Brown’s tactical actions were somewhat misguided (attacking an exceptionally well defended position), Brown was recognized for his aggressiveness and passion. Operation Harper’s Ferry was a tribute to Brown’s tenacity. Recruiting Station New Jersey’s Commanding Officer, Maj. Richard E. Luehrs II, said the intent of the campaign was to borrow from Brown’s spirit and inspire each other to succeed amidst the rigors of recruiting duty. The campaign runs from March 1 through April 30. Not only do recruiters earn individual incentives, substations were authorized special liberty.
Monthly incentives of a 72-hour liberty pass are given to any recruiter who writes two contracts by the second phaseline and any recruiter who writes three contracts or more by mission day receives a 96-hour liberty pass. The first Substation to achieve its gross net contracting objective receives a 96-hour liberty pass. The second and third substation to do so receives a 72-hour liberty pass.
The operational incentives included a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a 96-hour liberty pass for the recruiter who obtains the highest gross annual percentage rating (GAPR). The second highest will receive a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a 72 hour liberty pass. The recruiter with the third highest will receive a Certificate of Commendation from the district commanding officer and a 72-hour liberty pass. Any recruiter who writes a reserve or female contract and ships them to recruit training within that time period will receive one day off.
On April 1, the recruiting station held their monthly all hands training and the top ten recruiters were presented a framed picture of Marine Corps artist Col. Waterhouse’s rendition of Harper’s Ferry in 1859. These Marines were hand picked by the commanding officer because they displayed leadership and the drive to persevere.
Sergeant Jonathan Cooper of RSS Northwest wrote five contracts during the month of March, and four, the previous month. Staff Sgt. Cristian Lares, was also promoted to his present the rank the day he received his award. He wrote three contracts during the month of March. One of those contracts was a female applicant who was also a direct shipper. The other two contracts were high school seniors.
“It always motivates recruiters when you physically see an incentive for time off. We knew of the reward ahead of time, so it was something that motivated me so that I could spend more time with my family,” Lares said.