Commanders,

I want to draw your attention to two messages recently released concerning the Command Recruiting Program, ALMAR 023/07 and MARADMIN 279/07.

This program enables proven combat veterans to tell the Marine Corps story and assist our efforts to grow the Corps to 202K Marines. In my visits with recruiters throughout the country, they consistently confirm that there is nothing more effective than a young Corporal or Lance Corporal who tells it like it is. These men and women have unmatched credibility in their hometowns and in their high schools.

This program also provides Marines returning from deployment some well-deserved time at home priceless to our Marines and families who have undergone the stress of a recent combat deployment.

There are many competing demands for a unit's attention upon return to home station. However, understand that this program is a priority . Both for our near-term recruiting efforts and the long-term health of our Corps.

To focus your efforts, Marine Corps Recruiting Command will publish quarterly reports to general officers and chiefs of staff on those geographical areas that would benefit most from crp assistance. Additionally, I request you concentrate on those young Marines who meet the transportation and geographical criteria noted in the MARADMIN.

I am personally interested in this matter, and I want you to take personal interest in your Marines participation in this program indeed, make it a planning factor as your unit returns home from combat. We'll discuss this in my future visits around the Corps, and I'll be anxious to hear how the program is doing in your unit.

Semper Fidelis,
James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps.