US Marine Corps Recruiting – Manchester, NH

US Marine Corps Recruiting Substation Manchester

The United States Marine Corps Recruiting Substation (RSS) in Manchester, New Hampshire, serves as the primary point of contact for individuals in the region who are interested in earning the title of Marine. Located on South Willow Street, a major commercial artery in the city, this facility is staffed by experienced Marine Corps recruiters who have served in various occupational specialties across the globe. Their mission is to identify, screen, and enlist qualified men and women who possess the physical, mental, and moral character required to serve in the nation’s premier expeditionary force-in-readiness. The station covers a wide territory, engaging with the local community, high schools, and colleges to present the opportunities available through military service.

Enlistment and Screening Process

Joining the Marine Corps is a rigorous process that begins at this substation. Recruiters conduct initial interviews to determine an applicant’s eligibility based on strict standards regarding age, education, physical fitness, and legal history. The facility is equipped to help candidates prepare for the next steps of their journey:

• ASVAB Testing: Recruiters assist applicants in scheduling the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a test that determines qualification for enlistment and specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
• Physical Training (PT): To ensure future recruits are ready for the physical demands of Boot Camp, the station organizes regular PT sessions (Poolee functions). These sessions focus on pull-ups, crunches, and running, fostering camaraderie and physical resilience before shipping out.
• Medical and Background Screening: The staff guides applicants through the complex paperwork required for medical processing at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and initiates necessary security clearance investigations.

Career Opportunities and Benefits

The Marine Corps offers over 300 different jobs, ranging from combat arms—such as infantry, artillery, and tank operations—to highly technical fields like aviation mechanics, cyber security, intelligence, and supply chain logistics. Recruiters at the Manchester station provide detailed information on these career paths, helping applicants align their skills and interests with the needs of the Corps. Service members gain access to a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Education: 100% Tuition Assistance while active, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers full tuition and fees at public universities, plus a housing allowance, for veterans.
• Healthcare: Full medical and dental coverage for Marines and their families through TRICARE.
• Travel and Housing: Opportunities to be stationed at bases around the world, from Japan to California, with housing allowances provided.
• VA Loans: Access to the VA Home Loan program, offering favorable terms for purchasing a home.

Officer Selection and Reserve Options

While the primary focus of an RSS is often enlisted recruiting, the staff can also connect qualified college students and graduates with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO). Programs like the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) and Officer Candidates Course (OCC) offer paths to commissioned service. Additionally, for those who wish to serve their country while maintaining a civilian career or attending college full-time, the Marine Corps Reserve offers a way to serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year. The Manchester recruiters can explain the specific obligations and rewards of the Reserve component.

The Delayed Entry Program (DEP)

Once an applicant swears in but before they ship to Recruit Training (Boot Camp) at Parris Island, SC, they enter the Delayed Entry Program. During this time, they are known as ‘Poolees.’ The Manchester station becomes their training ground. Recruiters mentor Poolees, teaching them basic Marine Corps knowledge, rank structure, general orders, and history. This mentorship is crucial for reducing attrition and ensuring that Manchester’s recruits arrive at Parris Island with a competitive advantage and the mindset to succeed.

Visiting the Station

The recruiting station is open to walk-ins, but scheduling an appointment is highly recommended to ensure a recruiter is available to dedicate ample time to your questions. Family members are encouraged to accompany applicants to learn about the lifestyle, deployments, and family support networks available in the Marine Corps. The station represents the face of the Corps in Manchester, embodying the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment in every interaction with the public.