Recruiting Duty: Shaping the Future Force

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Shore special programs detailers are currently looking for Sailors in pay grades E-5 and above to serve as recruiters, said a Navy official Jan. 16.

"The Navy is a rotational force and recruiting is essential to maintaining an experienced 21st Century fleet," said Capt. John Alexander, assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) for Career Management.

The mission of recruiting is to recruit men and women for enlisted, officer candidate and officer status in the active duty and Reserve components of the Navy. Interested Sailors should start by talking with their chain of command and command career counselor.

"Recruiters are important to the Navy because we're always looking for the most highly qualified men and women to fill our ranks," said Chief Navy Counselor Russell Custer, lead recruiting detailer for production recruiters, NPC.

According to Custer, there are different types of recruiters. "Some Sailors recruit officers, some recruit enlisted personnel and the Navy even has a Career Recruiting Force (CRF). Once selected for CRF, Sailors will spend the remainder of their career recruiting," said Custer.

Enlisted Sailors in most rates, if eligible, can request to serve as a production recruiter. Production recruiters earn the 9585 Navy Enlisted Classification Code and are considered the classic recruiter for enlisted personnel.

"Recruiting duty is very demanding. It teaches you time management and prioritization unlike any other job in the Navy," said Custer. "It's very similar to a fast-paced sales environment and Sailors are expected to accomplish various goals and expectations on a daily basis."

According to Custer, applicants must have no performance mark averages below 3.0, no alcohol related incidences, no NJPs (non-judicial punishments) within the last 36 months and have a valid driver's license. Sailors must also be within height, weight, or body fat standards and have passed their last three years of regularly scheduled physical fitness assessments and body composition assessments. Lastly, Sailors must have a recommendation from their command master chief and their commanding officer.

A complete listing of eligibility requirements can be found in MILPERSMAN 1306-964. Sailors who meet the requirements and would like to apply for the recruiting duty program should contact their rating detailer when entering their permanent change of station orders negotiation window, nine months prior to their projected rotation date.

"There are recruiting opportunities for Sailors across all 26 Navy Recruiting Districts throughout the United States," said Custer.

Sailors accepted to the recruiting duty program as production recruiters attend the Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit in Pensacola, Fla. for five weeks of training. Students are taught sales skills which will enable them to promote the Navy. Sailors will also learn, develop, and practice competence in the areas of marketing, public speaking and social networking.

According to Custer, recruiters are currently eligible for Special Duty Assignment Pay of $450.00 per month, use of a government vehicle, cell phone and laptop, and Supplemental Clothing Monetary Allowance.

Tour lengths are a minimum of 36 months and begin when a Sailor arrives to their assigned Navy Recruiting District (NRD). A Sailor's NRD will then further assign them to a Navy Recruiting Station (NRS). Therefore, a Sailor's ultimate duty assignment is based on the needs of the NRD. Sailors may not always be stationed in the exact geographic location they request, but most Sailors are assigned to the location they request or as close to the location they request as possible, said Custer.

"I think that every Sailor should apply to be a recruiter at some point in their career," said Custer. "Recruiting gives a Sailor the opportunity to give back to the community. It allows them to promote Navy awareness within their community, talk about what the Navy has done for them and give others the opportunity to achieve their ambitions, goals and dreams by serving in the Navy."

Shore Special Program detailers assign Sailors to more than 20 shore special programs Navy-wide. These programs are not necessarily geared for a specific rating, but manning them with qualified Sailors is still important.

Examples include recruit division commander duty and brig staff duty, service on the USS Constitution or the USS Arizona Memorial, and assignment to the Blue Angels or the Navy Ceremonial Guard. MILPERSMAN 1306-900 contains a complete list of special programs available.