AUSTIN, Texas -- Career recruiters and command groups throughout Marine Corps Recruiting Command gathered last week across the districts to exchange best practices and develop winning strategies as the high school recruiting season kicks off. While each district focused on analyzing operational trends, capitalizing on new capabilities, and implementing work gap solutions, the Marines of 8th District took a different approach to the task at hand – develop the mind, body and spirit of each 8412.
“Unlike prior leadership symposiums, the intent this year was to professionalize the individual career recruiter,” said Col. Keven Matthews, commanding officer 8th Marine Corps District. “As evidenced by its very name, career recruiting is more than a job; it is a profession. As such, we owe it to our career recruiters to develop them across all aspects of life.”
Throughout the week, career recruiters were exposed to personal and professional leadership from all sectors of the community. Lean Six Sigma training administered by industry professionals developed process improvement experts that now reside at each recruiting substation. Networking with the Austin Rotary International Club provided exposure to senior civic leaders and corporate perspectives on leadership. Physical competition bred esprit de corps and resolve among the recruiting stations during the 8412 Olympics. Lastly, a guided tour with retired Gen. Michael Hagee, former commandant and president of the National Museum of the Pacific War, reconnected recruiters with their heritage as Marines.
No event, however, served to distinguish or promote the career recruiting profession as did the inaugural 8412 Hall of Fame ceremony. Following a formal mess night, three retired career recruiters were inducted into the 8th Marine Corps District 8412 Hall of Fame for their immeasurable and lasting impact to both career recruiting and the 8th District. Honoring the three inductees connected current and former career recruiters while recognizing excellence within the profession – something all career recruiters are committed to uphold.
Regardless of rank or time in recruiting, each recruiter left the symposium with a renewed commitment to their career and Corps, said Matthews.
“Career recruiters are consummate professionals and relentless in their pursuit of perfection; I am confident each 8412 will continue to bear the standard of excellence across the Mighty 8th.”