I'LL BE IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM................................

I enjoyed the story in this issue about how one
recruiter "outfoxed" the other services "recruiters"
by showing the boot camp film and appealing to the
excitement of being a Marine.  On recruiting duty in
Kentucky 1955-1960 I had a slightly different tack
that accomplished the mission successfully as well.

I always made it a point to be the last "speaker."
The Army rep got up and sold  schools, assignments, etc.
The Navy rep went into great detail about "seeing the
world," while the Air Force recruiter, who always
had a "waiting list," talked about those exciting
jets everyone would fly.

When it was my turn, I just quietly approached
the podium, and placed a green duffle bag atop
it.  I'd reach in and pull out two spit shined
boots and place them on the stand.  Then, piece
by piece, I'd pull out a stripped down M-1 rifle
and quickly assemble it, putting on a bayonet
"for effect," and then removing it.  Not a word
was spoken, but every eye was on me, the boots,
and the rifle.

Then, leaving the boots prominently displayed on
the stand, and carrying the rifle,  I'd walk out
into the audience and look for the biggest guy I
could find.  (I was all of 5'6").  I'd select one,
and ask him to please stand up.   Pointing to the
boots, I'd say "if you think you're man enough to
fill those boots, and handle this rifle (as I
tossed it to him), I'll be in the back of the room
at the end of this session."

Needless to say, when it was over, I had the majority
of the young men, and oftentimes a few young ladies,
crowding around me to handle the rifle, and pass
around the boots.  I didn't have to "promise them
a rose garden," and when I answered their questions,
they quickly got the message that the Marine Corps
was "looking for a few good MEN."  I rarely ever
missed my recruiting quota, and was nominated as
Recruiter of the Year.

Gerald F. Merna
1stLt, USMC (Ret.)
Korea 52-53; Vietnam 66-67