Photo By Lt. Mark Langford | Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Dea L. Preyer speaks to a local student about...... read more read more
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MILLINGTON, Tenn. - After completing “A” school, many new sailors are encouraged to return to their hometown recruiters to assist with recruiting efforts and activities around the recruiting station. Many sailors know the opportunity exists and participate with their area recruiting stations but there is some confusion on the details of the program.
Although the program has adopted several unofficial names across the fleet, the actual instructions are the Hometown Area Recruiting Program (HARP) and Officer Hometown Area Recruiting Program (OHARP) referenced in BUPERSINST 1150.1C and detail all of the guidelines and instructions for sailors interested in applying.
These programs are non-funded, which means participants are not allowed any travel or per diem; however, they are not charged any leave.
Participants in HARP and OHARP return to their hometown for 12 days (two working weeks Monday through Friday) and assist local recruiters with day-to-day tasks and local recruiting efforts.
The Senior Minority Assistance to Recruiting Program (SEMINAR), open to pay grades E6 through O6, helps with the Navy’s efforts to recruit more African-American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander applicants and to help the navy better connect with diversity groups in local communities.
Sailors coming directly from the fleet can offer a wide array of insights and experiences to Future Sailors about the benefits the Navy does bring to the table.
“I would say that the mission [of these programs] is to make awareness of what our organization brings to the table,” said Terry Black, the individual augmentation manager and HARP, OHARP, and SEMINAR manager for Navy Recruiting Command.
There are no age, pay grade, or rating restrictions for HARP and OHARP; however, junior personnel are especially encouraged to participate. Personnel must be high school graduates and apply to participate in the recruiting area where they graduated.
In many cases, young sailors are able to return to their high school and speak with other students who were sophomores or juniors when they were seniors going through the enlistment process. Students are more likely to engage and trust in former classmates and peers than recruiters who are often several years older, said Black.
Similarly, OHARP participants visit local colleges and universities to speak with local college students, said Black.
HARP, OHARP, and SEMINAR can be a very rewarding and successful experience. Together, these programs account for approximately 30 percent of all recruitment, said Black.
“I get to see the same people that were in the same position I was in and I’m able to answer their questions and help them,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Dea L. Preyer, participating in HARP before reporting to her first command in Norfolk, Va., after completing “A” school.
HARP duty can be taken independently or in conjunction with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Participants already on board must have a minimum of one year aboard their first permanent duty station before applying. Command career counselors can provide additional guidance for requesting HARP, OHARP or SEMINAR during a PCS.
“They want you to be abreast with how the Navy runs and operates before you go back to your high schools and try to talk about the Navy and try to sell it to someone else,” said Black. Exceptions may be made for individuals looking to participate in HARP following “A” school.
HARP volunteers must be screened and approved for participation by their Commanding Officer and exemplify high standards of military appearance, conduct, and courtesy.
Sailors, from the newest “A” school graduate to the most senior enlisted and officer, have the potential to bring their unique perspective and Navy experience to recruiting stations in the field.
For more information about the HARP and OHARP programs contact your command career counselor. For the full instruction, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/instructions/BUPERSInstructions/Documents/1150.1C.pdf
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2013 14:04 |
| Story ID: | 114172 |
| Location: | MILLINGTON, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 554 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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