WASHINGTON — As every branch of the U.S. Military continues struggling to attract new recruits this year, a recent ad highlights the Navy’s new recruitment strategy that was inspired by an unlikely source: Renowned Navy recruitment expert Leonard “Fat Leonard” Francis.
The Navy, which is facing a projected 23% shortfall in new recruits by years end, has rolled out an entirely new list of financial incentives to lure new recruits, including tens of thousands of dollars in cash, luxury jewelry, first-class accommodations, and even choice of prime duty stations.
The recruitment campaign was developed after Navy officials sought ‘outside the box’ ideas and turned their attention to strategies developed by the famed Malaysian entrepreneur, who used creative, well-rounded, and ultimately effective recruitment means to recruit Navy personnel.
Francis himself lauds the Navy’s resourcefulness in utilizing tactics it knows will prove effective in increasing the number of recruits.
“I pioneered the most effective recruitment campaign the Navy has ever seen – at any level,” said Francis. “So, it makes complete sense that the Navy paid me a huge licensing fee to use my strategies for wide-scale rollout. Because they work. No question about it.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Francis is the “Director, Talent Acquisition, known for his major accomplishments which include disrupting worldwide Navy contracting processes through expertise in persuasion, networking, open information-sharing, and executive coaching.”
His profile goes on to state that he prioritizes profit-sharing, ensuring Navy team members receive their fair share, maximizing profits from Navy contracts, and mentoring new Sailors on contracting practices.
Within the ranks, Francis is famously known for building a network of top-tier talent within the Navy. His strategies are so legendary that the Navy couldn’t resist building an entire recruitment campaign around them.
And recruits are loving it.
“This recruitment package is huge – balls to the wall insane,” said Seaman Recruit Kenneth Salemi, an 18-year-old spoiled brat from Durant, Iowa, who recently enlisted after the Navy guaranteed him $25,000 cash, several luxury watches, five-star hotel accomodations, international airfare for himself and his friends, and prostitutes.
