FOURTH MARINE CORPS DISTRICT, Pa. -- In some occupational specialties in the Marine Corps, promotions to the ranks of noncommissioned officer can be hard won. Many Marines work on improving their physical fitness test or rifle qualification scores. Many more complete educational courses to earn an additional 100 points for their composite scores. Few, however, take advantage of an opportunity to boost their composite scores an additional 100 points.
The command-recruiting program, which commonly sees Marines just graduating boot camp and awaiting MOS training, is also available to junior fleet Marines and reservists, and can provide valuable promotion opportunities to those who so desire them.
“Without recruiting – there wouldn’t be a Marine Corps,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Horton, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of Recruiting Sub-station Akron, Recruiting Station Cleveland. “Without recruiters assistants – recruiters couldn’t be successful.”
“When I enlisted, they told me try to come home,” said Lance Cpl. Crystal Dishong, an administrative clerk in Twentynine Palms, Calif. “They said it can be especially helpful when I became a lance corporal trying to get corporal – since it can be one of the hardest ranks to get.”
Meritorious promotion, cutting score points and personal awards are the major benefits of participating in the command-recruiting program.
Privates and privates first class can receive their next rank meritoriously. Lance corporals and corporals receive 20 points toward their cutting score – up to a maximum of 100 - per referral they generate that turns into an enlistment contract. Sergeants and above receive personal recognition with each individual they refer.
One success story of the command-recruiting program is Lance Cpl. Stephen J. Wade, a recruiter’s aide in Richmond, Va. Wade, a reservist attached to Recruiting Station Richmond, was meritoriously promoted to the rank of lance corporal and already has 40 points toward his promotion to corporal.
“I came out as a recruiter’s aide in July and within the first month I had referred two people to join the Marine Corps. I was meritoriously promoted to lance corporal and since then I’ve referred two more people.”
“Every Marine’s a recruiter,” said Horton. “Ultimately you’re helping out the Marine Corps, not to mention the personal awards you can get.”
As with anything in the Marine Corps, these career advantages are earned, never given.
Although recruiting can be rough at times, Wade says he’s having a good time helping out. “I love it out here. I don’t think I would want to spend my entire career recruiting, but it’s fun.”
Wade, who says he’s never been shy, has picked up all of his referrals while area canvassing. “One of my referrals was a guy watering plants at the Kmart close to the office,” he said. “ I just walked up and asked him if he liked his job. When he said, ‘no’, I asked if he would like a better one. He was in the office the next day for an appointment.”
Not all Marines assisting in the recruiting effort find referrals as easily as Wade, but with perseverance it can be done. “I’m not used to talking to people about something they usually don’t think about,” said Dishong. “But, I’ve already found one person interested in being a Marine, and I’ve already gotten 20 points and a letter of appreciation. They give you what you work for.”
In addition to career improvement, Marines will also be able to spend time in their hometowns. “I really enjoyed seeing my family, it’s been more than six months since I’ve seen them,” said Dishong. “My mom is very happy I’m here – she’s probably more excited than anybody else.
“Even though I have to work really hard – it’s definitely worth it,” she added. “The hours are long, but I get to come home every night to my family.”
Wade echoed Dishong’s comments saying, “I couldn’t be in a better position. Helping out the Marine Corps, staying close to home and being rewarded for doing my job is a great opportunity.”
Perhaps one of the most important benefits of the command-recruiting program is being an integral part of helping the Marine Corps accomplish one of it’s most important missions.
“They’re influence on their peers and knowledge of the area, and its people is indispensable to the recruiter’s success,” said Horton.
For more information about the recruiter’s assistance program contact your local recruiter or log onto http://www.4mcd.usmc.mil/PTAD.asp.