Call to Service to Support Department of the Navy Recruiting

Posted on October 30, 2023 Updated on October 29, 2023

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//
ROUTINE
R 191521Z OCT 23 MID600053436769U
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
TO ALNAV
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
CNO WASHINGTON DC
CMC WASHINGTON DC
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UNCLAS

ALNAV 084/23

MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/OCT//

SUBJ/MESSAGE TO THE FLEET/CALL TO SERVICE TO SUPPORT DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
RECRUITING//

REF/A/DOC/SECNAV/4AUG22//
REF/B/DOC/SECNAV/31AUG23//

AMPN/REF A IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WORKING GROUP TO
ADDRESS RECRUITING CHALLENGES.
REF B IS DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS RECRUITING
CHALLENGES – YEAR IN REVIEW//

RMKS/1. In June 2022, via reference (a), I directed the establishment of a
Department of the Navy (DON) working group to address short and long-term
issues as we face one of the most challenging recruiting environments since
the all-volunteer force was established in 1973. The issues we faced then
and now are driven in part by a strong economy with low unemployment, the
post -coronavirus labor market, intense competition with the private sector,
and a declining number of young Americans interested in, and fit for military
service. In addition, limited access to the recruiting population in high
schools has negatively effected the Navy and Marine Corps’ ability to meet
recruiting goals.

2. Over the past year, the working group has taken steps to improve
   recruiting through targeted strategies, increased marketing efforts,
   strengthened partnerships, and will continue considering and implementing the
   full range of programs and tools available to identify and address recruiting
   challenges. Reference (b) highlights some of these notable accomplishments.
   Despite these promising efforts, we know the most significant work is at our
   recruiting stations around the country. Our Navy and Marine Corps recruiters
   have done a tremendous job in the face of these challenges. They are
   committed to reinvigorating community relationships in every zip code to
   share the Navy and Marine Corps story with as many young Americans as
   possible and find the next generation of Sailors and Marines.
3. We cannot rely on our recruiters alone. Our story is not reaching enough
   Americans, most of whom have limited exposure to currently serving Sailors,
   Marines, or veterans. Therefore, I call upon all our people – Sailors,
   Marines, families, and DON civilians – to share the positive outcomes of
   military and civilian service. Your stories and experiences hold weight and
   influence within your circle and could be why someone chooses military or
   civilian service.
4. Public perception regarding service is critical to the DON reaching all
   talented individuals. We must do more to rebuild the trust and confidence of
   younger Americans, their families, and educators, and inform the Nation about
   the role and value of the civilian-military partnership in defending our
   Nation and preserving our freedoms. We do this by our daily professional and
   moral conduct and by openly discussing the value of service.
5. The most powerful reasons for joining the military are the intangible
   benefits: a feeling of patriotism; a sense of duty; honor through military
   service; selfless service; camaraderie; purpose; character development; and a
   real contribution to our Nation. Beyond these intangible benefits, the
   tangible benefits continue to exceed anything you will find in the private
   sector: stable employment in any economy; a competitive pay and benefits
   package, including a portable retirement program and pension eligibility;
   unrivaled education benefits both during and after service; housing; full
   medical coverage; active duty or reserve opportunities; and extensive travel
   opportunities. These benefits along with significant investments in basic
   pay, housing, childcare, education, healthcare, and personnel policies have
   provided high retention numbers across the DON, helping achieve our end
   strength targets in light of our recruiting shortfalls.
6. We also seek patriotic Americans who wish to serve their country through
   civilian service. Most are unaware of the breadth of available civilian
   opportunities: in law enforcement; medical; engineering; trades; counseling;
   finance; management; and many others. The DON employs more than 280,000
   civilian employees across the world performing many types of work in many
   different settings. These opportunities provide robust health and long-term
   care, and life insurance plans as well as defined federal retirement pensions
   and portable 401K plans.
7. The DON exists for one purpose: to defend our national security
   interests and to protect the Nation by fighting and winning our Nation’s
   wars. Our readiness depends on a quality all-volunteer force and the
   civilians who support the force. As we face an increasingly challenging
   competition for talent, it will take all of our people – Sailors, Marines,
   families, and DON civilians – to meet this challenge.
8. Every day I am amazed by the tremendous work you all do in support of our
   great Nation. Now, I ask each of you to help us encourage the next
   generation to follow your lead.
9. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.//

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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//