MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- The National Training Team held the National Recruiter Instructor and Recruiting Officer Conference June 6 through 10, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
The conference consisted of Train the Trainer sustainment modules. These modules were used to complete the skill sets needed to train, mold and mentor the recruiting force.
“We have recruiter instructors and recruiting officers here from all over the nation,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Kelvin Jackson, National Training Team chief, Quantico, Va. “They are here to maintain training proficiency of training and sales in recruiting,” he added.
All recruiter instructors and recruiting officers were required to attend this conference as well as region training officers and chiefs, and district contact team officers and chiefs.
“We hold the conference at the depot to see the purpose of what we do: making Marines,” said Jackson. “The whole perspective really comes full circle right here with the recruiter schoolhouse. Some of the men going through boot camp right now were the product of these instructors.”
The National Recruiter Instructor and Recruiting Officer Conference is held every year and is a way to cover training techniques, procedures and ideas.
“The conference is necessary to maintain the level of proficiency to obtain our mission,” said Jackson.
Every year they meet for a week for one day of briefs from the Marine Corps Recruiting Command Staff and four days of training. It allows the staff to discuss any new ideas they may have regarding recruiting.
“When we meet it gives them a chance to discuss ideas from all across the nation,” said Jackson. “A recruiter instructor from New York can see what is working in California, and vice versa.”
This year’s conference is the culmination of a completely revamped sales package and is the introduction of two new modules to their annual training.
“The outlook for recruiting is positive right now because of the quality of trainers we have,” said Jackson. “The commanding general sees the training as a high priority to bring every recruiter instructor from their stations to be here for a week. It is a true testament to his dedication to recruiting and it staying proficient in training.”