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31 Marine enlistees since FY 2014
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Posted on Apr 23 2015
A total of 31 individuals from the Commonwealth have so far enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps since fiscal year 2014 up to the present, according to Marine Corps Permanent Contact Station Saipan recruiter Staff Sgt. Rodney Deleon Guerrero.
Of the 31 enlistees, 13 were either attending or new graduates from Marianas High School, nine were from Saipan Southern High School, six were from Kagman High School, and three either attended a private school, an off-island institute, or the Northern Marianas College.
He said 22 already left for boot camp and are either currently training or graduating from recruit training.
Deleon Guerrero said that nine are still on island waiting for their reported time to ship to recruit training in San Diego, California.
He conceded that the recruitment numbers has been flat in the last two years.
“The mission each month has been the same since I’ve been here the last four months,” he said.
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 we will enter them into our Delayed Entry Program, which is designed to prepare them mentally and physically for the rigors of the 13-week recruit training evolution,” he said.
As a recruiter he usually sets two appointments each day, which gives time for additional walk-ins occurring throughout the day.
“While canvassing at the local schools I would be interacting with over 15 kids. On a given day I make contact with about 15 individuals via telephone. I also give career presentations periodically to a predetermined group of students, which range from about 20 to 35 students,” he said.
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.
