South County MOAA was fortunate to have three officers from the Orange County Recruit Station:
Capt Luis Morales - Executive Officer
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Capt Joseph Borgardt - Operations Officer
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Capt David Hankle - Officer Selection Officer
They explored the current status of recruiting by answering questions from the group. Someof which included:
Not only are we in an all-volunteer force, the services mission, staffing, funding and career opportunities are dramatically different. As I often say when asked if I miss the Navy, “The Navy Dental Corps that I enjoyed for 26 years isn’t there anymore.”
I found a receptive audience for my request in Major James Dollard, the C.O. of the Recruiting Unit, who would have done the presentation were it not that his son is graduating from an East Coast college
So our three guests stood in for him and suggested that they could answer any questions that we might have.
I have a few and will offer one of them as a starter:
NPR interviewed a Marine General with a question of how capable are today’s Millennial Marines? He gave three very positive reasons why he felt they were the best ever. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Do you feel Patriotism is alive and well in todays’ recruits?
How do you address proposed changes in benefits (COLA, lump-sum buyout, medical care, commissaries)?
What effect does the current job market have on your efforts?
How important is the GI Bill or today’s equivalent?
Does prospective citizenship play a role in enlistment?
In the past some recruits joined as an alternative to criminal punishment. Do you see any of that today?
Is there a gang problem in OC? Are drugs an issue?
I notice you cover the largest territory. Are there regional differences in who you see?
Other questions came from the audience and everyone considered the evening informative and encouraging.
Our July speaker will be Milly Lugo, a Senior Librarian in Santa Ana who has initiated a program to assist separating service personnel to adapt to civilian life.
Guests are welcome for $30. RSVP to Tricia Karoly at tkaroly@cox.net.
