Recruiter magazine March 2025

Recruiting Nation,

We’re making history. The Navy kicked off FY25 with the strongest start in more than 20 years, a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our entire recruiting force. On the last day of February, we hit our best day of the year with 328 contracts, surpassing 1,200 for the week. A year ago, 800 in a week was considered a remarkable achievement.

Our numbers prove that we’re not just on track—we’re ahead. Even as we push forward, we continue refining our processes to improve our pipeline and ensure our Future Sailors are fully prepared for the fleet. This momentum is not accidental—it’s the result of smart policies, strategic focus, and the tireless efforts of each and every recruiter, support staff, and leadership.

Looking back at this past year, three key lessons stand out:

First, trust is the compounding currency that buys independent action. When we trust each other—when recruiters trust their leadership, and leadership trusts recruiters—we empower action. We don’t need to micromanage or second-guess; instead, we know that every recruiter out there is making the right calls, executing the mission with integrity and professionalism. That trust has been critical in our success.

Second, recruiting is a team sport. I came into this job thinking recruiting was a lone-wolf mission—individual recruiters out in the field, grinding day in and day out. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, each recruiter has individual responsibilities, but success isn’t possible without the team around them. From prospecting to processing, everyone plays a role. That’s true at the recruiting station, at the NTAG level, and here at headquarters. There are no lone wolves in recruiting—only a pack that wins together.

Finally, this job is deeply rewarding. Every morning, I wake up excited to come to work. Why? Because I get to solve hard problems with people I trust and respect. We’ve tackled some of the toughest recruiting challenges in recent history, and while there’s still work to do, we are witnessing an incredible turnaround. Seeing individual recruiters, teams, and the entire organization succeed—especially after the challenges of the past—has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my career.

Our mission remains clear: we must continue to drive recruiting success at every level. That means balancing recruiter prospecting, national lead follow-up, and Delayed Entry Program (DEP) referrals. It means building strong relationships with our Future Sailors to ensure they ship to boot camp ready and motivated. And it means pushing forward, no matter the challenge, because the work we do determines the future of the Navy.

You are making an impact every single day. Keep the energy high, stay focused on the mission, and let’s continue this record-breaking year together.

Winners Win!

Rear Adm. Jim Waters

Recruiting Nation,

Wow, recruiting nation is making history. You all continue to amaze by increasing the NCO margin well above the curve and almost all subcategories. Maintain the push to keep NAT above glideslope and continue to close the gap in the warrior challenge mission. I know your dedication and professionalism out there on the front lines of our recruiting effort will get it done.

NRC and Regions are finalizing plans for Sailor of the Year competition and looking forward to hosting our Region Winners later this month. The winner of NRC Enterprise Sailor of the Year will go on to compete at the NETC level and the winner at the NETC level will be advanced to Chief Petty Officer. We also expect CPO Board eligibility results to be released in the next few weeks. For our board eligible members, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Command Master Chief or even myself to review your record for completeness and advice on your Letter to the Board.

We continue to push initiatives and fine tune processes within the enterprise. Upcoming SOPMAN changes include additional changes to the slating process and some positions shifting to My Navy Assignment, we have requested special MAP allocation, as we have done in previous years, from OPNAV and expect an answer by MAP season opening. I will keep the command triads updated as we navigate into CA2P going active for our BBA ratings. We are only 1 of 2 shore commands authorized CA2P which will provide advancement opportunity for our BBA ratings. As most of you know, Senior Enlisted Marketplace will expand to E7 this year. We are in talks with NETC and OPNAV policy to pursue a standing exemption for those selected to E7 while on recruiting duty to provide the stability within both Navy Recruiting and your personal lives. Our top focus is our recruiters and will continue to push these initiatives.

Keep charging!

Very Respectfully,

CMDCM Konopka

Recruiting Nation,

As I prepare to close the final chapter of my 30-year Naval career and 23 years in Recruiting, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated and passionate team of professionals. I’ve witnessed countless milestones, challenges, and successes throughout my career, but what stands out the most is the incredible spirit of teamwork, commitment, and resilience that defines Recruiting Nation.

Together, we’ve achieved historic milestones, like exceeding our FY24 contracting goal of 40,600 new Future Sailors enlisting into the Navy. We are also off to the best start that Navy Recruiting has experienced in over 20 years! 12,750+ shipped and over 14,000 new contracts attained in the first four months of the FY25! This success, along with the many other achievements throughout the years, is a testament to the unwavering dedication of all of you within the Recruiting Enterprise.

Looking ahead, I know the foundation we’ve built will continue to propel Navy Recruiting to even greater heights. In FY25, the focus will remain on recruiting high-quality applicants, with Nuclear and Special Warfare programs, and DEP leadership as our top priorities. The key to success will always lie in our ability to adapt, engage with our markets strategically, and continuously push forward with intensity and purpose.

Though my time as National Chief Recruiter is coming to an end, I will always carry the memories of this incredible journey with me. Thank you for the incredible experiences, the partnerships, and for everything you’ve done to make Navy Recruiting what it is today. I've been fortunate to work alongside all of you on thus critical mission. I’ll never forget the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the way this team came together to overcome challenges. I have the utmost confidence that Recruiting Nation will continue to thrive, and I look forward to watching your continued success in the years ahead.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and for your service to our great Navy.

See you at the Top!

NCCM Gerald Allchin

Austin Recruiter Honored as NTAG San Antonio’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Recruiter of the Year

Story and photos by Allen Cordova, Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio Public Affairs

Lt. Brittney Payne was honored as Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Officer Recruiter of the Year for fiscal year 2024. Payne received her award Jan. 30.

Payne is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated from Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Pembroke Pines FL. in 2014 and earned her commission at the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018.

“I was introduced to the Navy through football,” Payne said. “My dad was my high school’s football coach, and the Naval Academy recruited his players because he ran the triple option. When I looked more into it, I fell in love with the mission and aspired to serve in the Navy.”

Payne is a general officer recruiter located at Navy Officer Recruiting Station Austin. She says she enjoys recruiting because it gives her time with her family.

Payne states that her biggest challenge in recruiting was learning to understand the current generation’s culture and lingo. In the beginning, she took it too personal when applicants “ghosted” her, but soon learned it’s all a part of the process.

Four Future Sailors Swear In at Florida Panthers Game

Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Natalia Murillo, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami Public Affairs

Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Ryan Perry, a Fort Lauderdale native, administered the oath of enlistment to four future Sailors, from Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami, during the Florida Panthers game against the L.A. Kings, January 29, 2025.

“It was a pretty cool experience,” said future Sailor Yin-to Chan. “It was such an honor.”

Cristel Alpizar, Benjamin Rodrigues, Trayvaun Swann and Yin-to Chan, were honored and recognized in the arena by Perry before the first puck drop.

Perry administered the ceremony, during an executive engagement visit to the NTAG Miami area of operations Perry’s ongoing visit runs through January 30th, and is focused on raising Navy awareness, promoting its 250th anniversary, and supporting local recruiting efforts.

“It’s been incredible coming back and reconnecting with my hometown, and the best part of it all was the opportunity to connect with these future warfighters. To be part of their first Navy experience is truly special,” said Perry. “It’s important for the community to see young people raise their right hand and commit to service. I hope it inspires pride and shows that our nation’s defense is in good hands with the next generation of Sailors ready to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

From High-Tech to the High Seas: A Sailor’s Inspiring Journey

Story and photos by Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Li Zhang, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Fire Controlman Seaman Yuxi Chen, formerly of the Silicon Valley tech sector, graduated from the University of Minnesota. While pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin, she is forgoing a high paying position in the pharmaceutical industry and instead aspires to travel the world and embrace a vibrant lifestyle in the United States Navy. During her time in the Delayed Entry Program, she discovered her new passion in Navy fitness and healthy living, and inspiring future Sailors to do the same. During her fitness journey, she said she lost 50 pounds and found a new version of herself.

“It feels like I’ve been reborn,” said Chen. “I never thought I would find the strength to change until I learned about the Navy’s DEP and long-term health benefits provided by the Navy’s Physical Readiness Program.”

Before joining the Navy, Chen struggled with her weight due to a sedentary work-from-home lifestyle during the pandemic. At her heaviest, she weighed 204 pounds and was experiencing health issues related to weight gain. On Jan. 18, 2024, she was interviewed by Retail Specialist 2nd Class Xue Wang from Navy Recruiting Station Santa Clara. Chen expressed that Wang helped her create a weight loss plan and, from that moment, her journey began.

“I went from barely being able to do one push-up and struggling with planks, to now completing 55 push-ups in two minutes and running for 20 minutes without fatigue,” said Chen.

Thanks to her determination during her time in DEP, Chen now maintains a healthy weight of 148 pounds, with a goal of reaching 121 pounds. Her transformation was more than just physical; she overcame years of self-doubt and self-criticism, embracing a newfound level of self-confidence and realizing her true potential. Her mindset shifted—she became more disciplined and efficient in both her professional and personal life.