Top Marine says troops need to be able to lock in jobs before they leave the Corps
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz, the top enlisted leader of the Marine Corps, is advocating for a significant shift in how government agencies and private companies recruit Marines transitioning out of service. He emphasizes the need to start hiring processes up to a year before troops leave active duty, aiming to bridge the gap that often leaves veterans vulnerable during their transition period. This initiative is driven by concerns about mental health challenges and job instability faced by many veterans shortly after leaving the military.
Ruiz highlighted that each year, around 200,000 service members, including approximately 14% Marines, leave active duty. Many struggle with the Transition Readiness Program, which has shown consistent shortcomings. According to a 2023 report, 70% of those needing support did not start their transition process a year before separation, leaving them unprepared for civilian life. Ruiz pointed out that delayed hiring can lead to financial stress, disrupted healthcare access, and increased mental health struggles, which often peak within the first year after discharge.
The Marine Corps leader also called for partnerships with agencies like the Secret Service and industries such as shipbuilding and emergency services. He urged these organizations to begin recruitment efforts earlier, allowing Marines to transition directly from their last day of active duty into new roles or training programs. Ruiz emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers that delay this process, which can cause unnecessary instability in veterans' lives.
From a business perspective, streamlining hiring for transitioning service members could reduce long-term costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. It
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026