Navy Sailors answers questions from students at Everett High School during an outreach event. Naval Special Warfare Center provides initial assessment and selection and subsequent advanced training to the Sailors who make up the Navy's SEAL and Special Warfare Combat Crewman communities. (Navy photo by MCS 3rd Class Dylan Lavin) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffThe Navy hopes to attract 40,600 new sailors in fiscal 2025, which began Oct. 1 and extends through next Sept. 30.
Service leaders are confident the goal will be met, but acknowledge that doing so would entail convincing young people that what the Navy offers in terms of career paths would compare favorably against opportunities in the civilian domain.
“We are building on the foundation of success from [fiscal year 2024] while tackling new challenges head-on,” said Rear Adm. James Watters, head of Navy Recruiting Command. “With the strategies we’ve implemented, the talent we have in place, and the support from our leadership, I’m confident that we’ll meet our goals and continue to bring in the best and brightest to serve our nation.”
The recruiting effort will stress the Navy’s efforts to address concerns about career flexibility and balancing work and personal life. The outreach will take place largely on platforms potential recruits are familiar with, to include social media, digital platforms, and what it calls “personal outreach.”
“The Navy recognizes the need to refine its messaging to ensure recruits understand the Navy as a premier choice for professional development, education, and service to the country,” the service stated in a press release.
Adherence to culture, mission and roles will not change. New sailors still will be expected to “meet the physical, mental and career expectations that come with military service,” the press release stated.
This tack, the service believes, will help foster retention, job satisfaction and unit cohesion.
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