Your bonus is that you get to call yourself a Marine. That's your bonus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marine Corps Commandant, on recruitment
As we begin observance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, let's take a look at the recruitment efforts in 2023 by the four major branches of the military. Reportedly, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have tried a number of different techniques and incentives to help bolster recruitment. They have relaxed standards, set up remedial classes for those who are unable to pass the entry exams, and offered signing bonuses, but at the end of the 2023 recruiting year, they collectively fell 25,000 short of the mark. Military leaders say there simply aren't enough people anymore who are willing to serve.
Yeah, maybe, but don't tell the Marines. By September 30, '23, the Corps had met 100% of its goal, with hundreds of contracts signed for the next year. The strategy? Dismiss financial incentives as chump change compared to the honor of being a Marine. Brush aside the notion of military service as a steppingstone to civilian opportunities. Instead, promise only the chance to be part of something honorable and timeless and elite, that prepares you for every challenge, and guides your ways for the rest of your life if you're willing to listen and learn.
The practice of faith is much the same. No, the truly faithful don't claim to be elite, but the God we profess to believe in calls us to a life of challenge and adventure, and offers us more than enough Guidance and support to succeed. We are invited to persevere and to live by the examples set before us by His Son. Many are called; few are chosen. Matthew 22:14.
Blessings all.
NT
A special shout-out to my friend @echeese the unofficial leader of the many OB members who have served or are serving. We can't thank all of you enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marine Corps Commandant, on recruitment
As we begin observance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, let's take a look at the recruitment efforts in 2023 by the four major branches of the military. Reportedly, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have tried a number of different techniques and incentives to help bolster recruitment. They have relaxed standards, set up remedial classes for those who are unable to pass the entry exams, and offered signing bonuses, but at the end of the 2023 recruiting year, they collectively fell 25,000 short of the mark. Military leaders say there simply aren't enough people anymore who are willing to serve.
Yeah, maybe, but don't tell the Marines. By September 30, '23, the Corps had met 100% of its goal, with hundreds of contracts signed for the next year. The strategy? Dismiss financial incentives as chump change compared to the honor of being a Marine. Brush aside the notion of military service as a steppingstone to civilian opportunities. Instead, promise only the chance to be part of something honorable and timeless and elite, that prepares you for every challenge, and guides your ways for the rest of your life if you're willing to listen and learn.
The practice of faith is much the same. No, the truly faithful don't claim to be elite, but the God we profess to believe in calls us to a life of challenge and adventure, and offers us more than enough Guidance and support to succeed. We are invited to persevere and to live by the examples set before us by His Son. Many are called; few are chosen. Matthew 22:14.
Blessings all.
NT
A special shout-out to my friend @echeese the unofficial leader of the many OB members who have served or are serving. We can't thank all of you enough.
