Junior Jonathan Garcia is considering joining the Marines. “I like the idea of being a mentor and a teacher,” he said.

Sgt. Hugo Delgado came to San Dieguito on Tues Nov 16 to speak with possible recruits and met with the one interested student, Garcia.  

The numbers in recruitment has risen in past years. “Before, I had to work to create the mindset of joining,” said Delgado on the recent upswing in recruitment. “Now, the students are seeking me out. We have met our milestones early.”  Many have been joining for job security in the unstable economy. “The Marines allow for job security,” Delgado said.

Delgado talked about the specifics of joining. Recruits can join art 17 but are required to have parental approval. They must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and pass two tests, the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude and Battery (ASVAB) and the Initial Strength Test (IST). Recruits must get a 31 or more on the ASVAB or more. Recruits must be able to run a mile and a half in 11:30 or less, do 45 crunches in two minutes, and three pull ups, minimum.

A seven-year background check is done on recruits. Delgado told the Mustang that those with felony charges are not accepted as they were in the past.

Since the recruitment upswing, standards are “…most definitely up,” Delgado said. “Before GEDs were acceptable, now they must also have also 15 college credits in a 101 class or higher.”

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship is offered for those who want to be an officer in the Marines. It covers up to $150,000 and it is suggested that those who are interested apply in their junior year of high school. It is a competitive scholarship so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but it is open to those through their sophomore year in college. Requirements include taking the SAT or ACT and receiving a passing score on the math and English/reading. There is also a nursing option available.

Delgado is responsible for LCC, SDA, and San Pasqual and says that SDA gives just as many recruits as the other schools.

For more information, Delgado suggested to check online at www.marines.com, call at 1–800–MARINES, or call him at (619) 459–7156.