Mitchell Hamilton is new to this area, coming here just a few months ago to serve as a recruiter for the United States Marine Corps. But already he says he loves it here, calling Northeast Georgia a very patriotic area that fully supports the nation’s military.

Today, The Times asks Hamilton five questions about the job of recruiting young men and women into military service.

1. How have recent events overseas affected recruiting?

Honestly, recent events overseas have drawn many young people from this community to the recruiting office. It is quite astonishing to see young men and women of this great nation take a stand for what they believe in, and the patriotism they have shown for the country by enlisting in the Marine Corps to serve their country and protect the freedoms of this nation.

2. What efforts does the Marine Corps use to get the best qualified recruits?

Most of our efforts come from working together with the faculty at the high schools within the community. In addition to that we also use other resources from the area such as former Marines who work in the area and other businesses that support the United States military.

3. Has training and preparation for the corps changed over the years?

No, the Marine Corps has continued to train the same throughout the years. We as recruiters do our best to train these future Marines both physically and mentally so that they are very well prepared for any challenges the Marine Corps may present.

4. How does our area rank as far as turning out Marines?

This community is very patriotic and has no problems with making Marines. The young men and women in this area have always had a willingness to be successful. I enjoy working in this area because people in this area respect and love the military and they love to see young men and women go on to do bigger and better things.

5. What would you say to a possible recruit to convince him to join?

My main job is to talk as to as many people as I can and discuss opportunities in the Marines, as well as show them different ways to be successful in life in the civilian sector. I feel that the Marine Corps sells itself; what I really like to do is talk to them more about some of things that are very hard to get such as those intangible things like leadership, self-discipline and self-confidence.