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R 191521Z OCT 23 MID600053436769U
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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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