Why We Didn't Want to Recruit Close to Home

Many times when a Marine gets selected for Recruiting Duty the first thought is, "Can I Recruit close to home?" While this may work for some families, I will try to explain why it wouldn't really work for us.

I can't say I was surprised when my husband received his orders for Marine Corps Recruiting Duty. Honestly, I saw it coming a mile away. Sure I had hoped he wouldn't get recruiting, but every six months I would check the list to see if his name was on it.

Family Readiness Program

Image courtesy of Andy Newson /http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

The Marine Corps Recruiting Command is implementing a "new" program. The Family Readiness Program is a way for the command to pass information to Marine Corps spouses. But there are other perks as well. 




So what is the Family Readiness Program all about?

Office Get Together

My husband and I decided to invite the other Recruiter and his family over for some much needed R&R tomorrow night. They (the office) have been working very hard lately trying to make mission. Especially since one of the Recruiters left and his replacement has not checked in yet. So we decided it would be nice to get the families together and have some fun.

This will also give me an opportunity to talk to the other Recruiter's wife. I know she has been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. She started a new job and her best friend just PCS'ed so it's got to be hard on her. We can get together and vent and complain about USMC Recruiting Duty for awhile and then come up with ways to cope. 

Spouses Course

I attended a conference at the command last weekend. It was geared toward USMC Recruiting Spouses. The Deputy Family Readiness Officer from each command chose 6 spouses from the various recruiting substations (RSS) to attend the course. I was chosen because we live the furthest out from the command and my husband is the SNCOIC of the station.

I traveled to the station Wednesday and checked into the hotel. The conference was held at a Marriott Hotel near the Headquarters. After check-in we had a meet and greet with all the spouses from the entire Recruiting Region. It was great meeting other wives (and on husband) who understood the challenges I was facing. Of course, not all of the wives were understanding. 

Helpful Hints

I have been struggling with Marine Corps Recruiting Duty as much as you all. I have gotten several emails regarding how I stay positive and how to make it through recruiting duty. It isn't always easy, I have to admit. But I have learned some things that may be helpful for those that are just starting or about to start on USMC Recruiting Duty.


The one thing that I found helpful is getting involved. It doesn't matter what you get involved in, but do something that is just for yourself. I started going back to school this semester (hence why I haven't posted lately :). I found something I really love and decide to pursue it. I am getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design because I love working on websites, blogs, advertisements, etc. 

What a Day

Mike is away at his monthly meeting. He left yesterday around 4pm to drive to his command group. He was in a meeting all day long and the day. I woke up this morning not feeling well.  I swear when he is out of town everything goes downhill. Let me tell you about my day.

I went into the garage to change the laundry over and there's a huge water mark on the ceiling. I went into the attic and the air conditioner is leaking. My phone is broken so I couldn't even call the repair man. I shot Mike an email and he won't be able to deal with it until tomorrow. Wait, it gets better.