thedrifter
04-06-07, 09:21 AM
Conway calls former Marines to aid recruiting
By Kimberly Johnson - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Apr 6, 2007 6:09:05 EDT
The Corps’ top commander wants former leathernecks to spread the good word about the service and, by word of mouth, support the stepped up Marine recruiting effort.
The Marine Corps faces a recruiting challenge as it seeks to increase its end strength by 22,000 leathernecks by 2011. While the increase will go a long way toward helping Commandant Gen. James Conway realize the goal of lengthening time at home for combat troops before returning to the battlefield, the proposed swell in personnel also increases pressure on recruiters. Corps officials have recognized this, and have authorized bigger and more re-enlistment bonuses to keep Marines in the ranks while the force grows.
Former leathernecks can help in the effort to add to the force by talking up the service to those in a position to influence potential recruits, such as coaches, teachers and religious leaders, Conway said in an open letter to retired Marines. Some 129,000 letters went out in the mail to retired Marines on April 5, according to a Corps spokesman. The letter is also posted on the Corps’ Manpower and Reserve Affairs Web site.
“Our operational tempo has increased at the same time that the President has authorized the Marine Corps to grow, and it is for this reason that your Corps again needs you — not to return to active duty but to assume an active role in recruiting the next generation of Marines,” Conway said in the letter.
“You are uniquely qualified and strategically positioned to help influence the ‘influencers’ who mentor today’s youth,” he said.
Ellie
By Kimberly Johnson - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Apr 6, 2007 6:09:05 EDT
The Corps’ top commander wants former leathernecks to spread the good word about the service and, by word of mouth, support the stepped up Marine recruiting effort.
The Marine Corps faces a recruiting challenge as it seeks to increase its end strength by 22,000 leathernecks by 2011. While the increase will go a long way toward helping Commandant Gen. James Conway realize the goal of lengthening time at home for combat troops before returning to the battlefield, the proposed swell in personnel also increases pressure on recruiters. Corps officials have recognized this, and have authorized bigger and more re-enlistment bonuses to keep Marines in the ranks while the force grows.
Former leathernecks can help in the effort to add to the force by talking up the service to those in a position to influence potential recruits, such as coaches, teachers and religious leaders, Conway said in an open letter to retired Marines. Some 129,000 letters went out in the mail to retired Marines on April 5, according to a Corps spokesman. The letter is also posted on the Corps’ Manpower and Reserve Affairs Web site.
“Our operational tempo has increased at the same time that the President has authorized the Marine Corps to grow, and it is for this reason that your Corps again needs you — not to return to active duty but to assume an active role in recruiting the next generation of Marines,” Conway said in the letter.
“You are uniquely qualified and strategically positioned to help influence the ‘influencers’ who mentor today’s youth,” he said.
Ellie