By Chief Mass
Communication Specialist Catherine Bland
Navy Office ofCommunity Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Parker, a native of Livingston, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit. Parker graduated from Leggett Independent School District in 2015. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Livingston.
“Being from a small town taught me family values, to learn with an open mind and that respect is first and foremost,” Parker said. “Those values have helped me build relationships.”
Parker joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, he serves as a Navy recruiter.
“I joined the Navy to give myself a better opportunity in life. I felt like the Navy was the best opportunity for the career field I wanted to get into.”
Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit is the Navy’s sole recruiting schoolhouse responsible for the instruction in professional sales, prospecting techniques, marketing and leadership. Students attending basic recruiting courses receive a good dose of public speaking classes to develop communications skills that will help them not just in recruiting but throughout their naval careers. Students must demonstrate what they learn in the classroom with prepared speeches and perform in a simulated sales environment, where they must help an applicant make an informed, mutually beneficial decision to join the Navy.
“Students at Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit will shape the future of the Navy,” Captain Robert Stockton, Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit officer in charge, said. “The skills and attitudes these sailors develop at the schoolhouse not only have a positive influence on our recruiting force but prepare them to succeed both personally and professionally.”
The school emphasizes the importance of focusing on the needs of prospects, facilitating an open exchange of information, and ensuring mutual understanding and agreement throughout the recruiting process. These steps are critical to ensuring that prospective applicants fully understand what naval service entails and that the Navy receives highly motivated and committed officers and enlisted sailors to serve.
Serving in the Navy means Parker is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense through providing humanitarian aid and security assistance to allies,” Parker said.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Parker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being a successful leader and counselor for my junior sailors,” Parker said. “I can see their progress and watching them grow and become successful leaders makes me proud.”
As Parker and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Being in the Navy means helping others and serving my country,” Parker said.
Parker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my junior sailor, Electronics Technician 3rd Class Vanoy, for listening and taking my guidance,” Parker said. “I would also like to thank my wife, Holley, for being my support.”
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