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.

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.

Marine Corps Recruiters School: An Overview

I've received some questions lately regarding Marine Corps Recruiters School. In answer to the questions I've been getting I created this overview. 

After selection for USMC Recruiting Duty your spouse will receive orders to Recruiters School. The school is in San Diego, California on the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot there. The class dates are available at the School website. The courses are just shy of 7 weeks long. 

Happy Friday......?

Friday started out as a nice day that ended with Mike getting his butt chewed. But let me start at the beginning so you'll be able to follow the entire story.

Long Hours, Long Nights

I feel so bad for Mike lately. He's really been stressed out. I think I mentioned that he went from a regular recruiter to managing the station our first or second month here. He's been thrown into his job to sink or swim and the guy who was training him... Well, he's leaving soon, so you know how that goes. In any case, Mike's been getting a lot of heat from HQ. I'm not sure why since he has been making his mission every month, but I guess that's just the way it goes.

Rough Week

As I've mentioned before we live 3.5 hours away from the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations) as well as the Headquarters. MEPS is were the the Poolees actually contract to join the Marine Corps. Their paperwork is screened and verified and they receive their physical and such. (For more info click here). It is also where the applicants go to ship to boot camp. The headquarters is where Mike's command is. He goes there for training, meetings, events, etc.

Starting His New Job

It was not easy when my husband, Mike started is new job as a Marine Corps Recruiter. The hours were very long. His office was in a mall. and the mall didn't even open until 10am. So he had to be in at at 8:30am to get started and have his morning meeting with the other recruiters and his SNCOIC (Staff NCO in Charge or his boss). From there he would leave out of the office and visit schools or walk around and try to make contact with young men and women. Many times he would not leave the office until after 7pm.

Moving to Our New Home

When my husband, Mike got back from Recruiter's School I was thrilled to see him. As excited as we were to see him, we didn't have much time to enjoy his company. He flew into North Carolina on Saturday night and we went out to dinner to celebrate. I remember he brought me sand from the beach in San Diego in a CocaCola bottle. He said that he wished I was there, but since I couldn't go he brought California back with him.

Welcome to Recruiter's School

When Mike got the news that he'd be going on recruiting duty we weren't surprised. We knew that the team was coming to our area and we knew he had made the list. See all Marines need to complete a B billet to progress in their career. Well, they don't really have to, but then they run the chance of not getting promoted or being swept away on recruiting duty at an inconvenient time. 

You may be asking "What is a B Billet?"