Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jarrod Eggleston, a Marine under the command recruiting program at Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station Nashville, pays a visit to his former high school at Coffee County Central High School, Manchester, Tennessee, Oct. 19, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco) - U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jarrod Eggleston, a Marine under the command recruiting program at Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station Nashville, pays a visit to his former high school at Coffee County Central High School, Manchester, Tennessee, Oct. 19, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco)

The Bonds That Form

“Nothing good comes out of anything easy,” the Marine stated, the conviction strong in his voice. This motto was his driving force through the 13 weeks of the blood, sweat and tears he had shed during Marine Corps recruit training.

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U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Eric Suminski, a recruiter assistant under the Command Recruiting Program with Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station (RS) Nashville, represents his RS in Nashville, Tennessee, August 7, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco) - U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Eric Suminski, a recruiter assistant under the Command Recruiting Program with Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station (RS) Nashville, represents his RS in Nashville, Tennessee, August 7, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco)

It's Never Too Late

For most Marines, their decision to enlist is one made in high school, or was a dream they have had since childhood. The majority of recruits in recruit training are fresh-faced teenagers, ready to embark on what is their first “real life” experience. However, for Pfc. Eric Suminski, he had almost a decade of post-high school life experience under his belt before joining the Marine Corps at the age of 27.

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U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Daniela Portillo, a recruiter assistant under the Command Recruiting Program with Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station (RS) Nashville, represents her RS in Nashville, Tennessee, August 7, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco) - U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Daniela Portillo, a recruiter assistant under the Command Recruiting Program with Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station (RS) Nashville, represents her RS in Nashville, Tennessee, August 7, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco)

The Pride of Belonging

When U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Daniela Portillo first sat down with her Marine recruiter, he placed 11 engraved tags on the desk in front of her. These tags, known as “benefit tags”, present tangible and intangible benefits to help identify the motivations of potential Marines. Portillo took a moment to survey her options, then pointed to the “Pride of Belonging”.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Will, an enhanced marketing vehicle (EMV) noncommissioned officer at 4th Marine Corps District, represents the Marine Corps during the Country Concert in Columbus, Ohio, July 7, 2023. The event provided the Marines the opportunity to connect with the local community and raise Marine Corps awareness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by courtesy) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Will, an enhanced marketing vehicle (EMV) noncommissioned officer at 4th Marine Corps District, represents the Marine Corps during the Country Concert in Columbus, Ohio, July 7, 2023. The event provided the Marines the opportunity to connect with the local community and raise Marine Corps awareness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by courtesy)

A Different Type of Recruiter

At sports games, state fairs, and other headlining events, there is often a booth with Marine Corps recruiters milling about. The recruiters prospect individuals, interact with the crowds, and create an overall Marine Corps presence. Among these recruiters, one stands out in particular. This is Sgt. Zachary Will, and he is an enhanced marketing vehicle (EMV) recruiter.

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Educators and Influencers with Recruiting Station (RS) Lansing and RS Columbus post for a group photo on Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, S.C., February 10, 2022. Participants with RS Lansing and Columbus visited MCRD Parris Island for a four-day period to observe recruit training and gain a better understanding of how recruits are transformed into Marines. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse K. Carter-Powell) - Educators and Influencers with Recruiting Station (RS) Lansing and RS Columbus post for a group photo on Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, S.C., February 10, 2022. Participants with RS Lansing and Columbus visited MCRD Parris Island for a four-day period to observe recruit training and gain a better understanding of how recruits are transformed into Marines. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse K. Carter-Powell)

From Teachers to Students: Educators Workshop

For four days, high school educators are given the unique opportunity to experience Marine Corps recruit training firsthand. They attend Educators Workshop (EWS) - a program that takes place at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or Recruit Depot San Diego. EWS enables educators to better inform their students and communities about Marine Corps career opportunities.

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