MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Command Master Chief of Navy Recruiting Command Donald Charbonneau had the honor of swearing his son, Jordan Charbonneau (right), a Surprise, Arizona, native into the Navy under the Oath of Enlistment, October 2.
The Oath of Enlistment is a military oath made by members of the U.S. armed forces when they initially join the U.S. military or reenlist.
“I feel like I’m ready for it,” said Jordan. “I’m not really nervous or excited. You could say I’m somewhere in the middle. I am really looking forward to starting though.”
Jordan is enlisting into the Navy as a full time support (FTS) hospital corpsman, and he says he’s excited for this opportunity. Enlisted FTS personnel serve in demanding billets, both at sea and ashore, providing the support necessary to prepare Navy reservists to conduct prompt and sustained operations.
Coming from a military family and lifestyle, Jordan said he knows what he’s getting into. “That’s why I am excited to go Navy, for the experience. It’s a great place to learn discipline and start a career like my dad,” said Jordan.
Jordan’s father shares his son’s excitement. He said he’s proud as a father and as a Sailor.
“I am very proud that my son has followed my footsteps into the Navy,” said Charbonneau. “He has a great career path in front of him. I think I’ve done my job as a father to set him on that path.”
Jordan had the chance to attend college but sought a greater purpose. With the guidance from his father, he expressed that the Navy was a better opportunity for what he wanted to do with his life.
“I didn’t really like college,” said Jordan. “I did a year and a half but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. With the Navy it’s a great place where you can do pretty much anything. You have to opportunity to do anything.”
Jordan’s recruiter, Navy Counselor 1st Class Marcus Arocha, has high expectations for Jordan.
“Jordan is very excited to be in the Navy and I expect huge things from him,” said Arocha. “The Navy is gaining a highly motivated individual. It is awesome to see the Navy growing through continued service of Navy families.”
Jordan is not Charbonneau’s first child to join the Navy. His oldest son, Cryptologic Technician (Networks) 2nd Class Corey Charbonneau, joined the Navy in 2015 and is currently stationed at the Navy Information Operations Command in Norfolk.
“I’m just a proud father right now,” said Charbonneau. “Both of my sons are in the Navy. This is my 30th year in the Navy, so to see my son’s transition into Sailors, I joke around and say now I can retire.”
Before Jordan departed for boot camp Charbonneau bestowed a piece of advice to take with him throughout his Navy career.
“Always finish first,” said Charbonneau. “When you get to boot camp volunteer and get those extra jobs. Don’t pass your physical readiness test with the bare minimum. Because when you’re the best, that’s how you get ahead in life.”
The Navy’s recruiting force totals over 6,100 personnel in more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the globe. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.
NRC consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions, 20 Navy Recruiting Districts and six Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the country.