Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- In order to keep quality Marines within the ranks, career planners of 10th Marine Regiment held their first "Stay Marine" Career Day at Marston Pavilion Nov. 30.

Sergeant Brian M. Dimock from Sterling Heights, Mich., Sgt. Scott B. Selkey of St. Petersburg, Fla., Sgt. Jason A. Hall of Charleston, W. Va., and Cpl. Patrick M. McCarty from Hilliard, Ohio, demonstrated their dedication to the Corps by reenlisting that morning.

Major General Robert R. Blackman, Jr., 2d Marine Division commanding general, was on hand to speak to more than 200 first-term Marines targeted for retention about the benefits of staying in the Corps.

"I want to make sure the ranks are filled with capable Marines long after I'm gone," said Blackman.

With the aid of a computerized slide show, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines Career Planner Staff Sgt. Terry L. Dressler compared military/civilian occupations and compensation while lecturing on reenlistment incentives, travel and educational opportunities, medical/dental benefits and other intangible benefits reaped while serving the country.

Tenth Marines Regimental Career Planner Gunnery Sgt. Phillip W. Hartman brought the idea of a Marine Corps "Job Fair"  from his former command.

Amid a room filled with Marine Corps colors, historical pictures, artifacts, handouts, posters and stickers, representatives at 16 different stations informed the Marines of possible career-enhancing job choices.

Former Marine security guards, security force Marines, drill instructors, recruiters, career planners and inspector/instructor staff members teamed up with "mustang" officers, reconnaissance and intelligence Marines to offer their experiences and advice while marketing the advantages of the Corps.

"We've got a minimum of thirty prospects due to the 'Career Day.' If all of those translate into reenlistments, it will bolster this year's recruiting efforts by twenty percent," reported Hartman.