Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Lopez | Culinary Specialist (Sub) 2nd Class Robert Clem, a native of Texarkana, Ak.,...... read more read more
Everyone, this is Culinary Specialist Submarine 2nd Class Robert Clem, a native of Texarkana, Ar.
Prior to being a recruiter in NTAG Nashville's Division 7's Navy Recruiting Station Russellville, he came from USS Wyoming, a Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, stationed out of Kings Bay, Ga.
Like everyone else, every individual has their own reason for joining. For CSS2 Clem, he actually wanted to be a Marine like his grandpa. His grandpa told him, "You better not, do the Navy or the Air Force. Be successful in another branch and as a former Marine, don't join the Marines." After that conversation, he was part of Air Force's Junior Reserve Officer Training Course and he wasn't a fan of their uniforms and then met a Navy recruiter and the rest was history. That's how CSS2 join the Navy
When up for orders, Clem decided to become a recruiter because his recruiter, Chief Hamilton was a great one. He also stated, "I wanted to share and give the same experiences that my old Chief gave me, to everyone that I meet." Clem has now been a recruiter for 16 months an has been meeting the challenge. In February of 2022, CSS2 Clem was recognized by NTAG Nashville as Recruiter and Salesperson of the Month.
As stated, recruiting is a challenging and rewarding career choice for Sailors. For Clem, the hardest part was telling applicants that they do not qualify to join the military. "It was heartbreaking at first, seeing their reactions, I just took it personally," said Clem. As he continued to grow and overtime he became resilient. In the end he stated it was worth it, especially those phone calls from his applicants that just graduated bootcamp.
CSS2 Clem has 18 months left on his tour at NTAG Nashville and still plans on staying Navy. In the meantime he has goals of becoming qualified in Senior-In-Rate and continuing his education. He has been very busy on his off-duty time as well. He has been receiving Fire Academy credits at his local fire department.
He is also a huge advocate for the Navy and its benefits they have for him and his family. His wife of 6 years, was able to become a certified Pharmacy Technician funded by resources within the Navy. The Navy has also provided them to have a financially stable life and tend to whatever their family needs.
One thing that CSS2 Clem wants people to know about, it would be, "Never be afraid to ask questions." You don't know what you don't know and asking for help or clarity is you trying to educate yourself. The only wrong thing you can do is make the same mistake twice.
| Date Taken: | 10.05.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2022 12:29 |
| Story ID: | 430804 |
| Location: | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Hometown: | TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CSS2 Clem Recruiter in the Spotlight, by PO1 Nicolas Lopez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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