Nearly 3,760 Marines currently serve as recruiters in communities throughout the United States, and only they can provide the opportunity for men and women to earn the title of United States Marine. However, few people know who leads recruiters to success; the staff non-commissioned officer in charge (SNCOIC).
For fiscal year 2017, Gunnery Sgt. Miguel Sifuentesgarcia, SNCOIC of Recruiting Substation (RSS) McAllen, Recruiting Station (RS) San Antonio, 8th Marine Corps District, was awarded SNCOIC of the Year for the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Combined Awards Program 2018 in Washington, D.C., April 10, 2018.
“This year was very successful for my team and me,” said Sifuentesgarcia. “One of my Marines achieved meritorious promotion and I was awarded with the SNCOIC of the year title. The tenacity and long hours we’ve put in this year paid off. My team has made me among the best in the nation and now we get this special recognition.”
The selection process for the award includes each of the six Marine Corps Districts submitting a nomination of their most successful SNCOIC. Of those Marines, it is narrowed down to one SNCOIC from the Eastern Recruiting Region and one from the Western Recruiting Region, and between the two, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) selects the SNCOIC of the Year.
“My success is based on the superb leaders I have here at RS San Antonio,” said Sifuentesgarcia.
Since becoming SNCOIC at RSS McAllen, Sifuentesgarcia has been awarded RSS Department Attrition King of the year, given for lowest attrition rate; RSS Marine Corps Recruit Depot King Attrition of the Year, granted for lowest attrition rate with the least MCRD discharges; and RSS of the Year 2017.
“He has a relentless work ethic,” said Master Sgt. Arnulfo Leal, the RS San Antonio operations chief. "When others are taking time off, he’s trying to improve and get ahead of the pack.”
Sifuentesgarcia, originally an amphibious assault vehicle operator, has worked at RSS McAllen since December 2015 and recently changed his military occupational specialty to career recruiter in 2017. As recognition for winning the SNCOIC of the Year award, Sifuentesgarcia was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commodation Medal from the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was one of four MCRC Marines receiving awards.
“These four individuals rose to the top,” said Col. William C. Gray, the MCRC G-3 operations officer. “Not only are they the very best in MCRC, they are the best in the Marine Corps ... and they pick individuals just like themselves to join our ranks and fight for our Nation. These Marines have gone above and beyond to distinguish themselves and have made a lasting impact to the Marine Corps.”
Looking forward, Sifuentesgarcia hopes to return to Basic Recruiters School as an instructor.