Cover Photo: The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northland (WMEC 904) transits Godthab's Fjord alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) during Operation NANOOK (OP NANOOK), Aug. 21, 2024. OP NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces' annual series of Arctic exercises designed to enhance defense capabilities, ensure the security of northern regions, and improve interoperability with Allied forces. Black participated in the operation alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian and Danish Allies to bolster Arctic readiness and fulfill each nation's defense commitments. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rylin Paul)
From the Admiral
Recruiting Nation,
As we approach the end of the fiscal year, I can feel the surge of energy across our entire enterprise. We've successfully met our mission goals for the past five consecutive months, but we still have work to do in this final stretch. Now is the time to dig deep, push hard, and secure those last few contracts. Let's finish strong!
A special shout-out to our top performers in the August Warrior Challenge mission. Leading the charge is NTAG Phoenix with 18 contracts, followed by NTAGs Carolina and Southwest with 11 each, and NTAGs Atlanta, Golden Gate, and Great Lakes with 10 each. The Warrior Challenge mission is undoubtedly an uphill battle, but the determination and hard work from recruiters in the field are making a real impact.
As of early September, we've crossed 37,700 contracts—why is that significant? Because that's the mission number we missed last year when we closed out with just over 30,000 contracts. This year, we've already surpassed FY23's entire mission! However, our target for FY24 is 40,600 contracts, so there’s still work ahead. Now is not the time to ease up—let’s keep the momentum going!
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the ongoing Chief season. Congratulations to all of our Chief Selects—I couldn’t be more proud of you. This year, we’ve invited a group of 40 Chief Selects to Navy Recruiting Command here in Millington, Tennessee, to honor their transition from First Class Petty Officer to the Chiefs’ Mess. This group includes 1-3 Selects from each NTAG and RTAG across our organization, giving them an immersive experience in recruiting and Sailor management.
At headquarters, these Selects spent time in the Recruiting Operations Center (ROC), interact with department heads, regional detailers, community managers, and more. Our Command Master Chief, the National Chief Recruiter, and I also had the privilege of talking with them. This experience will empower them to return to their NTAGs with invaluable insights and training, which they can share with their teams.
To all recruiters, your hard work throughout this year hasn’t gone unnoticed. I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your dedication and effort. We have much to celebrate, and I look forward to achieving even greater success together in the months to come.
Winners Win!
Rear Adm. Jim Waters
A Message From the CMC
Recruiting Nation,
Bravo Zulu to all for your hard work over the last few months. We are on the cusp of fulfilling the recruiting mission goal of 40,600 enlisted NCO; something we haven’t done in the last two years. The admiral and I are extremely proud and appreciative of your continued effort and professionalism. We stand committed to making our recruiters our top priority and will continue to do all we can to remove any barriers to your recruiting success and quality of life. As we move into the new fiscal year, I know we will continue to win and see a record breaking year. Remember, recruiting nation is the key to the ultimate success and future of the world’s greatest Navy. As Admiral Waters says, “winners win,” and you all are making it happen.
We are pushing the Navy Enlisted Leadership Development (NELD) course as a core development tool. Ensure your leadership courses are up to date in your record. For Chief Petty Officer, ensure your record also reflects the 8LDC NEC indicating course completion in order to be eligible for E8. Starting this coming calendar year, leadership development course (for E5-E7) and SEA (for current E8s) are required to be eligible for advancement. Talk to your COC and CCC early with any questions or concerns regarding advancement eligibility. With our geographic constraints, I urge E4-E6 to take full advantage of NLECs virtual course option.
I want to encourage everyone to continue to provide feedback, good or bad, through your Chain of Command. We are committed to GRGB and COE 2.0 and it is essential for us to critically self-assess and drive the continuous improvement across all areas of recruiting and the Navy. A big change the Navy has made based on Sailor feedback is BAH based on dependent location. Navadmin 192/24 contains detailed information on the requirements and how to apply. We are also nearing the launch of a My Navy Coaching pilot program in direct support of our front line recruiters. While this is specific to one NTAG for the pilot, it could expand in the future.
The grit and determination you all have is admirable and infectious. Keep it up! Take the time for self-care and reflection and ensure your shipmates and families do the same. I couldn’t be any more proud of your effort and success this year.
Hooyah shipmates!
Very Respectfully,
CMDCM Konopka
A Message From the NCR
Recruiting Nation,
Congratulations on successfully closing out fiscal 2024. Your hard work propelled us to meet our overall Active contracting goal of 40,600 new future Sailors, who are now set to ship to Recruit Training Command. This year has been historic for Navy Recruiting, and with our growing momentum, I foresee an even bigger year in fiscal 2025.
In fiscal 2025, recruiting high-quality applicants will be key to our continued success. Nuclear Power remains our top priority, with Special Warfare/Operations following closely. As with every new fiscal year, now is the time to re-evaluate our market and ensure each territory is properly assigned to maximize its potential. Identifying our "Hot Zip Codes" and creating a strategic prospecting plan will be vital as we work toward our fiscal 2025 mission. Prospecting with intensity to penetrate our primary market will be crucial. In addition to understanding your hot zip codes, make sure your prospecting plan is filled with tangible upper-funnel goals to ensure you’re making the necessary attempts and impressions for mission success.
With the new school year underway, our goal is to engage face-to-face with every high school senior in our area of responsibility (AOR) by June. Make sure you have a solid canvassing plan for each school, with a focus on conducting as many classroom presentations as possible in advanced, honors, and STEM classes. Building trust-based relationships with school staff will make it easier to conduct your presentations. If you are struggling to develop meaningful relationships with school officials, and it’s preventing you from getting the access you need, make sure to raise your concerns to your chain of command so we can provide assistance.
As always, we continue to identify top-performing recruiters and Recruiters in Charge (RinCs) for potential conversion to the Career Recruiting Force (CRF). If you’re interested in joining the CRF community, reach out to your Chief Recruiter to see if it’s the right fit for you. To qualify, you must have at least 16 months on recruiting duty, be within your 18-month projected rotation date (PRD) window, and have a strong endorsement from your Chief Recruiter (CR) and Commanding Officer (CO).
I continue to be amazed by the hard work and dedication displayed by every member of our team. Thank you for everything you do to keep our Navy strong!
See you at the Top!
NCCM Gerald Allchin
Find more RADs and request items for your recruiting event online at IPOL. Tap the link below to get started.
Did you know the Recruiter eToolbox has a calendar of recruiting events? Check out the Events tab to see what events are coming up and to find more information about events coming to your local area. Check the eToolbox for many more tools and resources available to you.
Goats & Glory Update
The Navy’s Esports team, Goats & Glory, currently consists of nine Sailors from various ratings. Our mission is to compete in Armed Forces competitions and spread Navy awareness through community outreach events. In recent months, Goats & Glory has competed and placed in the following events:
Fandom – Street Fighter 6: 1st Place
Warriors of the Rift – League of Legends: 3rd Place
Warrior GMR – Valorant: 3rd Place
Fan Expo Denver – Street Fighter 6: 1st Place, Tekken 8: 4th Place
Fan Expo Chicago – Street Fighter 6: 1st Place, Tekken 8: 2nd Place
Combat Tested Gaming – Rocket League: 1st Place.
Commanders Cup – Rocket League: 5th Place.
CODE Bowl – Call of Duty – 1st place Solo, 8th Place groups.
Through Armed Forces competitions, Goats & Glory showcase each Sailor's skill sets and teamwork to consistently rise to the top! Through community outreach events such as Fan Expos, Fleet weeks and Navy weeks, the team continues to develop relationships with students, and high school/collegiate level Esports franchises.
Upcoming events for Navy’s Esports team include:
Fleet Week San Francisco: October 7-15.
Fleet Week San Diego: November 1-3.
Warrior GMR Rocket League Tournament: November 8-11.
Be sure to catch Goats & Glory live Monday-Friday on https://www.twitch.tv/AmericasNavy
Blue Angels Schedule September - November 2024. For more info and the full schedule, tap the link below.
Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Eyby Santiago, from New York, directs a team of line handlers aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) in the Philippine Sea as part of exercise Pacific Vanguard, Aug. 29, 2024. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 logistically resupplies deployed units in the Indo-Pacific along with regional Allies and partners. Pacific Vanguard is an opportunity for like-minded forces to strengthen their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire missile events, and advanced maneuvering scenarios in the Mariana Islands Range Complex. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)
A Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) candidate works his way down the high slide during the obstacle course evolution on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Aug. 13, 2024. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Kerska)
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Deon Strong, from Miami, throws a heaving line from the forecastle of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during exercise Ssang Yong as the ship makes port in Busan, South Korea, August 26, 2024. Exercise SY24 strengthens the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward combined amphibious capability in defense of the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim)
Lt. Taylor Bowden, chief engineer, assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) supervises events during a screening exercises, part of Super Garuda Shield, Sept. 2, 2024. SCREENEX was conducted to demonstrate multilateral interoperability through external communications with other ships. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. Super Garuda Shield 2024 is the third consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, focused on commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific. Bowden is a native of Houston, Texas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexander Timewell)
Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio Sponsors USLA National Lifeguard Competition
Story and photo by Allen Cordova, Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio Public Affairs
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX. - Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio recently participated as a sponsor at the United States Lifeguard Association (USLA) National Lifeguard Competition held in South Padre Island on Aug. 7-9, 2024. The events display a lifeguard’s commitment to fitness, teamwork and sense of duty – key qualities in both lifeguarding and naval service.
With the Navy being a sponsor of the competition’s landline open water rescue event, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Reuben Castro, Fire Controlman 1st Class Raul Beltran and Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Hector Reyes aimed to raise awareness about the opportunities available within the Navy’s Warrior Challenge Program. The Navy’s Special Operations teams include roles such as Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC), Navy Divers, Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRR), Hospital Corpsman Advanced Technical Field (SARC, DMT, SMT) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians. These jobs require individuals with exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience and quick, decision-making abilities – traits that are also vital in being a lifeguard.
“It was an honor to be a Navy Warrior Challenge Program sponsor…watching these incredible athletes in action was truly inspiring,” said Castro. “The connection between lifeguards and the Navy’s special warfare operators is undeniable - both are out there in some of the toughest conditions making split-second decisions to save lives.”
Navy’s First Contracted Robotics Warfare Specialist
Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jasen MorenoGarcia, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Phoenix Public Affairs
PHOENIX – Future Sailor (FS) Karla Torres-Casillas became the Navy’s first contracted Robotics Warfare (RW) Specialist after enlisting in the Navy at Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Phoenix, Aug. 27, 2024.
The RW rating became available for active duty contracts on Aug. 27, 2024.
“I came here not sure of what job I wanted or qualified for,” said Torres-Casillas. “I got so happy when I received the news that I got the job. I am going to be the first member of my family to serve in the military. My parents sacrificed a lot to provide our family with a better quality of life and I owe it to them to do well with this amazing opportunity the Navy is giving me. My family moved to San Diego from Mexico when I was young. It was really hard to move and leave behind my uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. I can’t even imagine how hard it was for my parents. That is why I want to make them proud and show them that it was worth the sacrifice.”
Damage Controlmen 1st Class Kreig Newton, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix and the senior classifier for MEPS Phoenix, led Torres-Casillas in the history-making enlistment. During the job-picking process, he realized that Torres-Casillas was fully qualified for the newly available RW rating.
“I was surprised when I saw that RW was available as of today,” said Newton. “I called headquarters to confirm RW and then realized she was qualified based on her [ASVAB] line scores. I mentioned the job to her and she was super excited. I will never forget the look on her face after I told her she was going to be the first contracted female Robotics [Warfare] Specialist.”
Sailor’s SEMINAR in Saipan
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thaddeus Berry, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - It’s early in the morning. The sun climbs up from behind the horizon with its warm light stretching across the water of a 12-mile lagoon. The air is clean and refreshing. The view is breathtaking, but for Saipan’s inhabitants it’s a typical weekend. Here there’s a bustling mix of cultures with weather that allows everyone to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. A place of snorkeling, shrimp farming and family get-togethers. Here the beach is home.
Growing up in Saipan, Lieutenant Richly “Shoobie” Babauata was shaped by both his island’s culture and the work experiences he had there before he joined the Navy team.
“It’s a beautiful island with beautiful people,” says Babauta, a native of the island. “You will find a mix of South Asian, East Asian and Micronesian cultures.”
For Babauta, his upbringing here has been a significant influence on who he is.
“My perspective on life was profoundly shaped by the various jobs I held and the cultural values imparted by my family,” starts Babauta. “Before I turned eighteen, I worked as an ice factory laborer, shrimp farmer, public auditor intern, dishwasher, restaurant server and a barista. However, my family’s culture is the foundation of my moral compass.”
Navy Service: A Kelly Sibling Tradition
Story by Sandra Collado, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Empire State Public Affairs
Operations Specialist 2nd Class Brooke Kelly recruited her brother Future Sailor Machinist Mate Submarine James Kelly!
“Growing up, I always had a sense of direction. I attended a vocational high school where I enrolled in the Air Force Jr ROTC program. Even then, I knew that the military was a strong option for my future. My parents were always very open and honest about the realities of college costs and the burden of student loans. They made it clear that while education was important, the financial strain that came with it could be overwhelming. With this in mind, I decided that joining the Navy was the best way to achieve financial stability, see the world, and have the opportunity to attend college for free,” states Petty Officer Kelly.
In 2016, she took the leap and joined the Navy, becoming the first in her family to serve in the military. Her journey took her to San Diego, California, where she was stationed and embarked on an incredible deployment around the world. She had the chance to visit places she had only ever dreamed of—Hawaii, Guam, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, India, Jordan, and even parts of Africa. “It was a life-changing experience that not only broadened my horizons but also reinforced my belief that I had made the right choice.”
Sailors Find Family Among Boot Camp Strangers
Story and photo by Dan Rachal, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Portland Public Affairs
Oregon City, Oregon sits on the banks of the Willamette River on the outskirts of Portland. While it is not the bustling metropolis of Portland, it’s a popular area for people who make the commute into the state’s largest city for work. About 18 miles to the east is the small town of Estacada, on the door step of Mount Hood National Forest. It has a small-town feel, complete with a downtown video rental store. While you can drive from one town to the other in less time than it takes to listen to a decent podcast, they are far enough away to keep unknowing family members from ever meeting.
Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Meadow Copher, a 2021 graduate of Estacada High School and Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Ayden Nuttbrock, a 2021 graduate of West Linn High School in Oregon City, never crossed paths before joining the Navy.
They both joined out of the Oregon City recruiting station. Copher shipped off to boot camp on January 30, 2023 and Nuttbrock left the very next day. If they would have attended a Delayed Entry Program meeting together, Nuttbrock left for boot camp three weeks after enlisting and Copher missed the one DEP meeting he attended, they would have discovered that they are cousins.