25%

Twenty-five percent! We are twenty-five percent of the way done with Recruiting Duty! That means that we have been out in Massachusetts for 9 months now and have 27 months to go. Now you probably think I am going to talk about how time flies and how I can't believe we have already been here for 9 months, but I'm not. Time hasn't flown by, but it hasn't been slow either. The last nine months have gone by at a typical speed, I would say.

Recruiting Duty has basically lived up to the hype - long hours, working the weekends, unbelievable stress, yadda, yadda, yadda. The first seven or so months were extremely stressful for Brandon. While he did amazing his first month (he signed up 4 guys!) the following months were a struggle and he had to work very hard to get interested and qualified applicants. I don't really think Brandon has a hard time having people interested in joining the Marine Corps - it's really having QUALIFIED applicants interested in the joining the Marine Corps. It's kind of hard to believe that they actually have requirements because well, if you've ever met some Marines you'd know. But they do. For one, you have to be within certain weight limits. Secondly, people with certain medical conditions (asthma, certain skin diseases, allergies, etc) either are disqualified or have to get special waivers to join. Tattoos - you can't have tattoos on your wrist, neck, face, hands, etc. You can have tattoos other places on your body but they have to be within certain size limits and most likely have be able to be covered up when wearing PT gear. And you have to pass the ASVAB with a score of 30 in order to join. It's amazing how many people score in the teens on this test. It's really sad actually. Oh yes, and you can't have any serious criminal record. So people who are trying to turn their life around - sorry you can't turn it around in the Marine Corps. I actually disagree with this requirement, because I believe that some people deserve a second chance and can turn their life around. Anyways, finding people who meet the requirements and actually want to join the USMC is quite a daunting task, especially in Berkshire County.

Brandon's last boss was pretty horrible too. Brandon often work 16 hours days and most weekends. If Brandon wasn't making mission, his boss would punish him by making him work longer hours and more days. I thought that was so dumb because who wants to the join Marine Corps at 10:00 pm on a Tuesday? Brandon was also required to have 2 appointments a day, no matter what. Brandon would waste so much time making appointments that he rarely had time to actually work on individuals who are actually interested in joining. His old boss would also sabotage Brandon's applicants. He would tell Brandon that he would put in a waiver for them or whatever and then at the last minute tell Brandon never mind. He really screwed Brandon over several times. I am so glad he is gone. Brandon's new boss is a saint. I love him so much and I've only met him one time. The first thing he said when he took over the office was that he was there to relieve their stress. He is really supportive of Brandon and his needs. He doesn't require 2 appointments a day and only focuses on getting qualified individuals to join. He understands there are bad days and a few times has told Brandon to go home and relax after a tough situation. And he rarely gets mad. Brandon's last boss was bi-polar. Brandon could never tell when he was going to blow his lid. I'm sure his new boss gets mad sometimes, but does a good job of expressing it and doesn't degrade Brandon in the process. Brandon's hours are also much better. His new boss told the guys they would be home for dinner each day and Brandon has not worked a weekend since the arrival of his new boss. It's awesome. I hope he stays forever or at least the next 27 months. The stress of finding qualified individuals and making mission is still present, but it's so much more manageable with his new boss.

Personally, Pittsfield has been so good to me. Even though this place is not ideal, I really can't complain. I found an amazing internship where working for free doesn't seem so bad. I even started getting paid for some of the work I do there! I have job prospects when I'm finished with my internship. My boss is awesome and has become one of my good friends. She has invited me to lots of social events where I have met even more people. We have cool neighbors that we like and they have a little dog that plays well with Brawley. We have done lots of home renovations and frequent the flea market, where I find the most amazing stuff for super cheap. It's probably helped that I have been back to California 4 times since moving here, but still, Pittsfield has been good to me.

In the next 9 months, I am looking forward to getting a permanent job. We are also hoping that Brandon can take some leave in August and we can spend a week or so together going on a trip somewhere. I am looking forward to taking little trips to Maine, Canada, Boston and NYC! We also will continue some home renovations and hope to finish our kitchen and bedroom in the next coming months. And my sisters and more friends better come visit me before winter.  I am keeping track of who comes to visit. I'm serious!

I really have to give it up to my internship and my boss, Allison, which have contributed greatly to my happiness out here. Without a sense of purpose, income or social interaction,  I am pretty sure I would be depressed and hating life. I know everyone says that Recruiting Duty is what you make of it, but that's only true to some degree. You have no control over your husbands boss, the number of qualified individuals coming in or your husbands hours. If I were to give advice to any new Recruiting Duty wife it would be to get involved with your community. Whether it be a job, volunteering, play groups, PTA, etc - just do something, especially if you are not near a base or near other recruiters (like us, Brandon is the only recruiter in our area). Being involved and active will help you from becoming bored and depressed and it will help you to not rely on your husband so much, because on this duty they will your support 110%!