This Navy's first virtually-recruited Sailor is scheduled to begin boot camp May 19 after joining through Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio's Virtual Recruiting Division (VRD).

Future Sailor Jacob Hatfield, a 2014 graduate of Belfry High School, signed up in January and is scheduled to attend culinary specialist (CS) "A" school upon graduation from boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.

The Navy is utilizing VRDs to reduce travel cost and optimize recruiter productivity, while still providing access to Navy recruiters in remote areas.

Hatfield chose the Navy because the opportunities the Navy offered were more aligned with his goals than the other branches of service, he said. These opportunities include the ability to attend college.

"My family was aware of my choice to join the Navy," Hatfield said. "They were supportive and proud that I made a choice to better my life."

Hatfield stated he spoke to Yeoman 2nd Class Lisa Adkins, a Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio recruiter working out of Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Huntington, who told him about the VRD. NRS Huntington is part of NRD Ohio's Division 9 which is undergoing the pilot for the Navy's VRD.

"I was aware that I was the first future Sailor to be recruited in the Virtual Recruiting Division," he said. "I think it is pretty awesome."

The VRD pilot program is in its early stages.

"As with any new program, there are going to be challenges," said Adkins. "Once a recruiter has gone through the initial contact, putting together prescreens and getting that person contracted, it seems to be an easy process as far as paperwork is concerned."

According to Chief Navy Counselor Dominic Robinett, NRD Ohio VRD leading chief petty officer, the reduction in drive times to remote locations has allowed recruiters to focus on a smaller radius, which has improved recruiters' morale and time management.

"I met with him face-to-face after he joined the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) to introduce myself and the VRD process and requirements," Robinett said. "Mentoring is mainly over phone at least twice a week to ensure he is still getting the same training needed to prepare him for Recruit Training Command (RTC)."

Robinett stated that poor internet connectivity in rural areas has required recruiters to get creative in maintaining contact with the future Sailors by having to utilize systems in public libraries and high schools. Though contact is primarily over the phone they also use programs such as Skype to maintain contact with the future Sailors.

"Navy Recruiting is adapting and taking advantage of the new-technological era we live in today," Robinett said. "I feel that this is not only going to save money for the Navy, it can increase productivity through more efficient operations."

Robinett stated it has been a learning curve to identify best practices and reduce as many shortfalls as possible and that the support of the chain of command and the flexibility of headquarters staff personnel has been key to their success.

"It's always a great opportunity to be a part of something new," he said.

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Ohio, visit www.navy.mil/.