Recruiting Management in the United States Navy Recruiting Command

GAO reviewed recruiting management in the U.S. Navy Recruiting Command. Included in the review were selected recruiting activities performed at command headquarters, two area commands, and selected recruiting districts. GAO examined documentation and interviewed officials, including recruiters concerned with management and production.

GAO noted that the Navy had taken positive steps to improve recruiting operations, including the establishment of standard operational procedures and the Standardization Audit Team to insure that such procedures are being carried out effectively. The Freeman Plan and Enlisted Tracking System appeared to be useful management tools for overseeing recruit quality results and potential incidents of recruiter malpractice. GAO found some situations which, if unaddressed, could hamper effective recruiting operations. The areas in which problems were noted include: (1) recruiters' quality of life; (2) treatment of urban versus rural recruiters; (3) control operations; (4) Delayed Entry Program usage; and (5) recruiter training.