Define the term "referral" in the recruitment process.

In the recruitment process, a "referral" specifically refers to a potential recruit who has been recommended by another enlistee. This method of recruiting relies on the personal networks and experiences of existing members, leveraging their relationships and credibility to help identify suitable candidates. Referrals can often lead to higher-quality recruits because they come with a level of pre-established trust and understanding of the Marine Corps culture, as the recommending enlistee can provide insights that resonate with the prospective recruit.

The strength of referral recruiting lies in its potential for creating a more engaged and informed candidate pool, as the recommenders share their personal experiences and encourage prospective recruits to join based on firsthand knowledge of military life. It often results in better candidate retention rates since referred individuals tend to have a clearer expectation of the commitment and challenges involved.