Success, especially in recruiting, can be fleeting. Victory today does not guarantee victory tomorrow. The true accomplishment is finding ways to sustain success so that winning becomes engrained into the very fabric of the organization. Leaders know that building long term success begins and ends with the culture of an organization. Sergeant Major Nicks, the senior enlisted advisor of the 8th Marine Corps District, has proven to be a leader who knows the value of an organization’s culture in sustaining success.
“When the Corps needs more quality men and women, there’s many places they can go to ask,” says Nicks. “At the end of the day, the 8th Marine Corps District is at the top of that list. It’s because of our culture and our history of being able to accomplish the mission.”
Sergeant Major Nicks is scheduled to depart Marine Corps Recruiting Command in early October to assume the role of sergeant major of the Marine Manpower Enlisted Assignments Branch. As he prepares to depart, Sergeant Major reflected on his time spent at the Mighty 8th District.
“The thing I am most proud of is that I have had the opportunity to work with, for and amongst some of the greatest Marines that I have ever had the privilege of serving with. The most rewarding thing about this duty is seeing Marines come back from boot camp with tears in their eyes and saying to the recruiters, ‘Thank you for having the faith, trust and confidence in me to join this family of Marines’.”
Expressing his confidence in the Marines and civilians of the District to carry the legacy of success into the future, Nicks said, “We are only scratching at the surface of our full potential. We’re in an upward trajectory. I know that sounds cocky, but it’s not. It’s just confidence in our abilities and what we bring to the table.”
Success in any endeavor is enabled by a strong support system and in no duty is this support system as critical as it is in recruiting. In order to thrive during 36 challenging months, Marines must have loved ones who understand the value inherent in the sacrifice.
“Success doesn’t come cheaply. Our success would not be possible without the continued love, support and admiration from our Marine families. They are the support columns that keep this District up. To them, I say thank you.”
The Marines, civilians and families of the 8th District know that as Sergeant Major Nicks departs he does so having added to the District’s impressive record of mission accomplishment and recruiter welfare.