Marine Corps' top enlisted leader urges earlier hiring for departing Marines

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz urged government agencies and civilian employers to begin recruiting Marines well before they leave active duty, warning that delays in hiring can leave veterans vulnerable during a critical transition. Speaking at a congressional hearing on service member quality of life, he called on organizations such as the Secret Service and industries like shipbuilding and emergency response to move hiring timelines up to a year before separation.

Each year roughly 200,000 service members leave active duty and attend the Transition Readiness Program; about 14% of those are Marines. Oversight reviews have found shortfalls in that program: a 2023 government watchdog report said a quarter of troops who needed the most help never received it and 70% did not begin transition planning a year before they left.

United States

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