Anchors Aweigh: Navy, Marine Corps Looking for Bright, Fit Recruits

The Navy is looking for recruits who are smart, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math-related career fields, Smith said. He noted that the Navy’s subs, planes and ships require high levels of technical expertise.

The Marines also want smart recruits who can operate complex weapons systems. They must be tough as well and be ready to "protect the Marines on their left and right and be willing to lay down their lives for them," Green said. The old recruiting slogan, "The Few, the Proud, the Marines," is still very relevant today, he added. "We’ve never changed."

Only about 21 percent of Americans are eligible to serve, mainly due to failure to meet physical and educational standards, or getting into trouble with the law, both leaders said. Of that 21 percent, just 1 percent of those are willing to serve, they noted. Many want to go into private industry where they can earn a big paycheck. Others opt for college. Green said an additional hurdle is that some colleges and high schools don’t allow recruiters on their campuses.

The services offer college funding help so it doesn’t have to be a choice between joining the military or going to college — you can do both, they said. Also, they said the military offers great job training, from welding and aircraft maintenance to cryptography and culinary arts. They said America benefits when these veterans leave the services because they tend to have the employment and leadership skills that industry needs and they are good citizens.