Recruiter magazine May 2025

Recruiting Nation,

We’ve just wrapped up April, marking seven months into FY25—and I’m proud to say: you’ve been getting after it. I know I talked about it in early May’s All Hands Call, but it bears putting it here in print. The numbers speak for themselves, and I want to take a moment to recognize where we are, where we’re headed, and what’s changed as we continue to push toward our goals.

Let’s start with the wins: In terms of overall performance, 25 of 26 NTAGs and all five 5 RTAGs remain in the blue. That’s sustained, consistent execution—and it matters.

And this month’s Bell Check list is the longest we've seen: NTAGs New England, New Orleans, Ohio River Valley, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Great Lakes, Northern Plains, Pacific Northwest, Phoenix, and Rocky Mountains. Plus, all 5 RTAGs passed the check as well. Bravo Zulu across the board.

Navy Special Operations (formerly Warrior Challenge) is worth another mention. We’ve rebranded it to better reflect its purpose and improve clarity across the fleet. That change came from seeing too many people unclear on what “Warrior Challenge” meant. “Navy Special Operations” is more intuitive—and it’s already helping recruiters have better conversations.

We launched an NSO recruiter incentive from April 1 to July 31—and as of April 30:

• 296 recruiters have written at least one NSO contract and earned a flag letter.
• 23 recruiters have written two contracts and received my flag coin.
• One standout has written three contracts and earned the new patch—MM1 Reyes, NTAG Atlanta. Well done!

I’m really excited about where we’re at with the General Officer mission. We’re in our best position in years. The final push is for CEC and SWO OceanO candidates. Additionally, I signed out FY26 officer goals on April 30 – yes, that’s way ahead of our normal schedule because we are crushing it in this area.

And once we have future Sailors sign their contracts, DEP management remains a priority. It’s not just about preventing attrition or pulling referrals—it’s about building connectedness. When Future Sailors feel like they belong, they stay with us and bring others with them. Keep investing in them. A DEP meeting “What Right Looks Like” video is in the works, and we’ve already published a DEP Play Card to guide your efforts.

I also wanted to highlight some recent policy updates:

DGM 43 outlines execution guidance for reinstating COVID-separated sailors, step by step. If you haven’t reviewed it, please do.

We’ve simplified major misconduct waiver processing. Just focus on the essentials: a personal statement, available records, and the SF-86.

We removed the requirement for high school transcripts for Hospital Corpsman before shipping.

The voluntary early ship incentive is active: Future Sailors who agree to ship between May 1–June 15 can promote up to E-3.

We simplified the process regarding parental consent for 17-year-old applicants in special circumstances: notarized forms are sufficient.

Bottom line: You’re making a difference. You’re showing what “we make all missions” means—not just as a slogan, but as a daily commitment. Keep pushing. Keep connecting. Keep charging.

Winners Win!

Rear Adm. Jim Waters

Recruiting Nation,

The dedication you all have is awe inspiring. In my last message, I urged you to maintain the push to keep NAT above glideslope and it is. We remain above glideslope in all major mission categories and are slowly closing the gap on NSO and prior service. It takes trust in every member of our team and organization to make this happen. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to reach our ultimate goal but are making history!

Congratulations to all our board eligible first-class petty officers. Now is the time to thoroughly review your records for any missing information or gaps. We expect active-duty Master Chief and Senior Chief results to be released around the last week of May. Senior Enlisted Marketplace (SEM) will apply to our newly screened personnel, so review the current SOPMAN changes particularly regarding some of the formerly slated positions as these will shift to My Navy Assignment. We are still working E7 803R exception policy from CNP and will promulgate if approved. At the end of May, NRC is hosting a CMC/CR symposium and will discuss all our recent changes. I encourage all CMCs and CRs to pulse your commands and all sailors to pass any questions, concerns, or topics of discussion to bring up to NRC leadership at the symposium.

Recruiting duty is challenging but rewarding. The Navy recognizes this and continues to prioritize our manning and initiatives. One of these initiatives is Command Advance to position (CA2P) and applies to only two shore locations: recruiting duty and recruit training command. I discussed CA2P in the last recruiting magazine article and am happy to announce it is active and some NTAGs have already executed advancements utilizing this program. NRC still has not received final adjudication on our special MAP allocation request but will update once we know.

Continue grinding out there and take care of one another, yourself, and your families. We will continue to push our top priority; you all out there getting it done! Winning!

Keep charging!

Very Respectfully,

CMDCM Konopka

Recruiting Nation,

It is an honor to serve as your National Chief Recruiter. Your efforts, resilience, and unwavering commitment are not just important but the backbone of our mission. In my nearly twenty years in the Navy recruiting business, I have seen many challenges, and each time, Recruiting Nation has risen to the occasion. Your daily inspiration fuels my dedication to making our mission more effective and efficient, ensuring the protection of our great Nation.

Every career in the Navy begins with a recruiter, a role that is often overlooked but essential. Unlike a regular shore tour, our recruiters' work involves long days and nights, securing parental consent, conducting interviews, collecting documents, making MEPS runs, DEP mentorship, and many more examples. Your sacrifices and efforts do not go unnoticed, and I sincerely appreciate them. I am committed to finding ways to streamline our processes, allowing you to focus on the most important aspects of your life.

Our success is not just about our efforts but also our ability to understand and adapt to the market. Working with all elements of the Navy recruiting enterprise, we will continue to forge strong recruiting fundamentals. This will allow us to hone the techniques required to increase contracting quality and the volume of our challenging Navy Special Operations, Nuclear, and priority ratings missions. Our key to success is anchored in our understanding of our markets and our readiness to adjust, as necessary.

Again, I am excited to be your NCR. Thank you for all your hard work, professionalism, innovation, and, most importantly, your service to the world's premier Navy. Your dedication and commitment make our Navy the best in the world!

Every day is a gift. That is why they call it the present.

Master Chief Kevin Daniel Kikawa

Journey to the U.S. Naval Academy

Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Stanton, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

Chloe Bush, a 17-year-old senior at Millington Central Middle High School, was officially welcomed as a future midshipman by Capt. Shaina Hogan, chief of staff, Navy Recruiting Command, May 2.

Bush earned an appointment to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, the first step toward the U.S. Naval Academy and with it, a scholarship valued at more than $500,000.

At a special presentation hosted by NRC, Hogan – a 2005 graduate of the Naval Academy – celebrated Bush’s achievement while presenting her with a ceremonial scholarship check.

“To start off, we would like to present a check to Ms. Bush, which, let me clarify, is not for half a million dollars but rather for a scholarship to support her journey,” Hogan said. “Congratulations, Chloe! This is a tremendous achievement, and we are so very proud of you.”

Bush, whose family has deep military roots, said the opportunity to follow in their footsteps while advancing her academic and leadership goals made her decision clear.

Centurion of the Pacific Northwest: Silverdale Recruiter Earns Rare Centurion Honor After Enlisting 102 Future Sailors

Story and photos by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Torrey Lee, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest Public Affairs

In 2015, Jasmine Adamcik was a high school senior walking the halls of Pocatello High School in Idaho when something unusual caught her eye: a Navy Sailor, standing on a chair in the middle of the hallway, raising his voice above the noise of the crowd. People streamed around the Sailor, a few catching the words as they made their way to their next class. A few were stopped by his words, wondering what exactly he was talking about. Adamcik was one of them.

It wasn't the first time Adamcik had thought about joining the military. Still, it was the moment that sparked the conversation. He was there, in front of her, and this could be the opportunity she needed to flesh out an idea in her mind.

"I hadn't talked to a recruiter going into my senior year," said Adamcik. "But, he was standing on a chair above everybody, just towering in the hallways, talking about the Navy, and that's when I told him that I was interested, but I wasn't ready to join."

The recruiter told her to just talk to him, come to his office, and chit-chat about what she wanted to do.

She went in that day with her mom and shipped to boot camp just 20 days after graduation.

Submerged for Success: A Submariner's Journey of Dedication and Achievement

Story by Elijah Leinaar, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

Courtesy photos

In just a few short years, Electronics Technician Nuclear 1st Class Thomas Schwab has gone from facing the uncertainty of homelessness to standing among the elite ranks of the U.S. Navy’s Silent Service. Through relentless determination, an unwavering commitment to education, and a drive to excel, Schwab has forged a path of success in one of the Navy’s most challenging career fields.

Schwab’s journey to the fleet began in adversity. At 17, he found himself without a home, navigating the harsh realities of life on the streets. While many might have succumbed to despair, Schwab turned to the one thing that had always offered him a sense of control: education.

“I always thought that education would be a buffer between what I was and what I wanted to be,” Schwab said. “Even when I had nothing, I knew that if I kept learning and working hard, I could change my future.”

Determined to rise above his circumstances, Schwab sought out the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, known for its rigorous academic and technical demands. When he entered the recruiter’s office, he questioned whether he was smart enough to become a nuclear-trained Sailor.

“I had heard how tough the program was,” he recalled. “I wasn’t sure if I could make it, but I knew I had to try.”

BU1 Savon Hunte Reenlists in the Navy

Story and photos by Anna Jefferson, NTAG Great Lakes Public Affairs

Surrounded by family and Shipmates, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Great Lakes Sailor, Builder 1st Class Savon Hunte, reenlisted for six more years of service on Friday, April 2. The ceremony took place at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard on board the future USS Cleveland in Marinette, Wisconsin.

The USS Cleveland will be the last Littoral Combat Ship of its kind, and is currently being built by the Fincantieri Marine Group.

“I chose the ship because it’s so close to home,” Hunte said. “And I thought it would be really cool for my first time on a ship to be in my home state.”

Among the ceremony attendees was Fincantieri Marinette Marine CEO, Jan Allman. She addressed the group, giving an overview of the ship and the work the organization does with Sailors.

“To give your life to service is very meaningful to me,” Allman said. “You serve and protect our nation, so thank you.”

From Gridiron to Grit: Navy SEAL Challenge Camp Brings Elite Training to Beloit College Athletics

Story and photos by Anna Jefferson, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Great Lakes Public Affairs

Transforming a civilian into a Navy SEAL requires both physical and mental toughness. Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Great Lakes Navy Special Operations Program Mentor Mark Allen, is bringing the Navy SEAL training experience with an extreme focus on leadership, communication, mental toughness, and accountability to civilians through the Navy SEAL challenge camp.

Beloit College football team members participated in the camp where they experienced Navy SEAL training exercises.

The Beloit College football team is focusing their 2025 season on improving their team-oriented mindset. During the camp, Allen worked to instill a selfless mindset in the players; one that perseveres through adversity to achieve a common team goal.

“To do this we put the team through some very chaotic and stressful situations in a calculated manner. Situations designed to stress the ability of team leaders and team communication plans. Situations that mirror the high level of stress you find at the top echelon of competitive sports,” Allen said. “The teams who practice in these stressful situations and learn hard lessons through that process are the teams that are prepared on gameday.”

The team did a series of exercises including log carries, calisthenics and visualization. In order to successfully complete each exercise, the athletes had to work in unison and rely on each other not to quit.

NTAG New England Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Cintron, NTAG New England Public Affairs

Cmdr. Calvin Beads III relieved Cmdr. Forrest “Tres” James III as the commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England during a change of command ceremony at Faneuil Hall, Boston, April 11, 2025.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael “Cowboy” Rutledge was the guest speaker and spoke of the significance of the ceremony and service.

“The highest calling a society can ask is for someone to serve their nation,” said Rutledge. “In any capacity — whether it’s four or forty years— it truly remains the greatest honor a citizen can bestow on the nation which allows us to maintain such a great way of life. Ensuring positive public relations and staffing — the Navy — with those who possess both the aptitude and the servant mindset to share with one of the most challenging missions within the Naval service. Mission success relies greatly on this command's leadership and Sailors commitment to excellence.”

James was responsible for the welfare, training and operations of over 200 military and civilian employees across New England and eastern New York earning the Meritorious Service Medal for his superb performance in the execution of his duties. James spoke of what makes recruiting duty so unique.

“You're the ones that are out in the civilian populations getting the next generation to serve,” said James. ”You're the ones in the arena and that is why I am so proud to have served with you these last few years.”

U.S. 2nd Fleet Reserve Vice Commander Administers Oath of Enlistment at Sacramento Navy Week

Rear Adm. Bryon “BT” Smith, reserve vice commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, administered the oath of enlistment to 46 future Sailors from Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Golden Gate, Sacramento area on March 23. The ceremony occurred in front of thousands of spectators at the California Capital Airshow during Sacramento Navy Week.

The event took place at Sacramento Mather Airport just before the start of the California Capital Airshow. The airshow, established in 2004, uses the spectacle of flight to inspire young people and the community.

The 46 young men and women, all members of the NTAG Golden Gate Delayed Entry Program (DEP), marched onto the airfield to the cheers of their families and an eager crowd. Standing in formation near the 100-yard line in front of six Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the group recited the oath with Smith leading the ceremony.

NTAG Golden Gate Commanding Officer Cmdr. Michael “BC” Molloy and Executive Officer Cmdr. Stephen B. Szalai stood alongside Smith to support the enlistees.

As two military aircraft took off, Smith began the oath of enlistment ceremony. With thousands of onlookers as witnesses, the 46 future Sailors solemnly took their oath and officially became part of the U.S. Navy.