The Navy needs recruits, and these programs—HARP, OHARP, and SEMINAR—bring Sailors back to their hometowns to make that happen.
Instead of relying on ads or recruiters alone, these programs put real Sailors in front of real people. If you want to get involved, the details are listed here.
HARP: Bringing Sailors Back Home
Hometown Area Recruiting Program (HARP) is a no-cost way for enlisted Sailors to help out recruiting stations for up to 30 days. You’ll go to local schools, workplaces, and community centers to talk about Navy life while wearing your uniform.
- Who Can Apply? Enlisted Sailors.
- How Long? 12 to 30 days.
- How It Works: You come back home on permissive, no-cost Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) orders or while on leave during PCS.
- Timing Restrictions: No HARP duty during Thanksgiving week, the last two weeks of December, or the first week of January.
If you’re tying HARP to a PCS move, apply 6-9 months ahead. Since there’s no funding, you’re on the hook for travel and other costs—including plane tickets if needed.
OHARP: Officer Recruiting, Face to Face
Officer Hometown Area Recruiting Program (OHARP) is HARP for officers. Same idea, different crowd. Officers go back home and work with recruiters, focusing on colleges, universities, and big community events.
- Who Can Apply? Officers (O-1 to O-6).
- How Long? 14 to 179 days.
- How It Works: You get permissive, no-cost TAD orders or use leave during PCS.
- The Goal: Talk to college students, get them thinking about officer career paths.
SEMINAR: Boosting Minority Recruitment
Senior Minority Assistance to Recruiting Program (SEMINAR) puts experienced African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander officers and senior enlisted Sailors (E-6 to O-6) in front of underrepresented communities. For 20 days, they connect with students and community leaders to encourage minority recruitment.
- Mission: Get more diverse recruits into the Navy.
- What You’ll Do: Speak at schools, show up at events, build relationships with key local leaders.
What Happened to Bluejacket HARP?
Bluejacket HARP Duty used to be the funded version of HARP. It covered travel and expenses, making it easier for junior Sailors to go home and support recruiting efforts.
That funding is gone now, but when it was active, participants got a short briefing before heading to their local recruiting station to help out.
Why HARP Duty is Worth It
This isn’t just about recruiting—it’s about you, too.
- Public Speaking & Leadership: Talking to crowds builds confidence fast.
- Networking: You’ll meet recruiters, community leaders, and students—connections that could help down the road.
- Career Boost: Doing well on HARP duty can make you stand out for promotions or special assignments.
- Personal Pride: Going home in uniform? That’s a powerful unforgettable moment.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
No two days are the same, but here’s how a HARP day might go:
- 0800 – Recruiting Station Check-In: Get the day’s plan from local recruiters.
- 0900 – High School Visit: Talk to students about Navy life, answer questions.
- 1100 – Community Outreach: Meet with local leaders, teachers, and veterans to strengthen recruiting ties.
- 1300 – College or Job Fair Visit: Work alongside officer recruiters at a local event.
- 1500 – Social Media & Outreach: Record a quick video or share your story online.
- 1700 – Wrap-Up & Debrief: Go over the day, follow up with potential recruits, and plan for tomorrow.
Making the Most of HARP Duty
A few things to keep in mind if you want to get the most out of it:
- Know Your Story: Think about why you joined and what would connect with potential recruits.
- Use Social Media: Share your experience with official Navy hashtags.
- Talk to Local Leaders: High school counselors, teachers, and coaches can help spread the word.
- Follow Up: Keep in touch with interested recruits and point them to the nearest recruiting station.
How to Apply
Want in? Apply through the Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) website: https://www.cnrc.navy.mil.
Need More Info?
- HARP & OHARP: Sherry Secrease, Program Manager
- 📞 (901) 874-9177 / DSN 882
- 📧 sherry.l.secrease.civ@us.navy.mil
After HARP Duty: What’s Next?
Make the experience count:
- Ask for Feedback: Get an evaluation from recruiters to boost your record.
- Document It: Add HARP duty to your evaluations—it could help with future opportunities.
- Stay Involved: Even after you’re done, keep referring recruits and sharing your Navy story.
These programs are running in full speed. If you want to give back to your community, build your career, and help the Navy grow, now’s the time to get involved.
