August 7, 2007:
Reversing a
2005 decision, the U.S. Navy has resumed allowing the lowest ranking petty
officers (E-4 rank) to work as recruiters. It turns out that the E-4s were
quickly missed, as the younger sailors had a much better rapport with the high
school students that comprise the primary recruiting population. The E-4s were
largely withdrawn from recruiting duty because commanders believed the young
sailors lacked enough experience in the navy, and in general. There were also
complaints from some of the E-4s that their pay was too low to live off base,
as most had to do.
There are still a few dozen
E-4s working as recruiters, but up to 200 more will be added. First, the navy
will have to recruit among E-4s coming off sea duty, to try and convince enough
of them that their next assignment ashore should be in recruiting. This is a
high pressure job, even though the navy is in the process of laying off
thousands of people. New recruits are still needed, to replace those who retire
or do not re-enlist. The brass have been told that many E-4s are eager to give
recruiting a try. For those E-4s who are successful at it, the next promotion
comes more quickly.