Two graduate from Marine Corps boot camp

Two U.S. Marine Corps enlistees from Marianas High School’s 2014 graduating class graduated from the Marine Corps boot camp last June 5, according to Marine Corps Permanent Contact Station Saipan recruiter Staff Sgt. Rodney Deleon Guerrero.

The graduates are Carlo Ocaya and Carl Mojica who completed their physical training as Marine poolees last March and left for boot camp training on the same month.

Deleon Guerrero also said that two other enlistees will be graduating from boot camp this month. Saipan Southern High School’s Samantha Amog left for boot camp late March, while Robin Basto, also from SSHS, will be graduating at the end of this month.

“So far two will be leaving for training on August, one on September and one in July. There is one right now heading to training,” Deleon Guerrero said.

More than 30 individuals from the Commonwealth have so far enlisted in the Marine Corps since fiscal year 2014 up to the present.

The some 30 enlistees were either attending or new graduates from Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, attended private school, an off-island institute, or the Northern Marianas College.

Recently 22 left for boot camp and are either currently training or graduating from recruit training.

Deleon Guerrero said that there are still others on island waiting for their report time to ship to recruit training in San Diego, California.

During the recruiting process, each applicant goes through a screening process.

This is to determine whether they are morally, physically, and mentally qualified for service in the Marine Corps. Once they enlist Deleon Guerrero will enter them into the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program, which is designed to prepare them mentally and physically for the rigors of the 13-week recruit training evolution.

As a recruiter, Deleon Guerrero usually sets two appointments each day, which gives time for additional walk-ins occurring throughout the day.

While Deleon Guerrero visits the local schools he usually interacts with over 15 kids. On a given day he makes contact with about 15 individuals via telephone. He also gives career presentations periodically to a predetermined group of students, which range from about 20 to 35 students.

Deleon Guerrero assumed his post last Jan. 20 as the new recruiter for the Marine Corps’ Saipan-based recruitment office. He provides students with details on the benefits and opportunities they will get by joining the Marine Corps.

For those interested in becoming a Marine, contact the Marine Corps recruiting office at 235-1881.