SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dominic Ortiz, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Salt Lake City, 9th Marine Corps District, recruits his younger brother Mercer James.
Mercer James remembers finding his older brother, then Pvt. Dominic C. Ortiz, at his recruit training graduation in 2017. "His voice was a lot deeper, and you could tell that he carried himself with more pride," Mercer said. That day inspired Mercer to join the Marines. Now his older brother, Sgt. Ortiz, is the one guiding him through the process.
Mercer is currently a poolee preparing to attend recruit training later this summer. While he expected the preparation to be stricter, James noted that the training has been more enjoyable than anticipated. He admitted he originally believed every day in the Marine Corps would mirror the rigors of boot camp. With help from his older brother, Sgt. Ortiz, Mercer is learning that the service offers opportunities beyond physical training.
Ortiz, originally a rifleman, first became interested in the Marine Corps after seeing an ad on his Xbox home screen. He stated, he has no regrets because the career allows him to make a living traveling, training, and gaining unforgettable experiences the Marine Corps provides.
When working with his brother, Ortiz ensures James receives the full experience. "I don't cut corners because he's my brother," he says. He wants Mercer to be fully ready for what's ahead.
The big moment still yet to come is watching Mercer graduate from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Ortiz says, "I'll probably be in tears when I go to see him graduate." For him, this isn’t about recruiting. It’s about being a brother and a Marine that keeps his word.
Mercer is expected to ship to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego Sept., 2026.