Thank you for over 212K Downloads in 2025 between Spotify and Apple Podcast

James P. Waters

James P. Waters Profile Photo

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

Rear Admiral James Waters is a native of Ellington, Connecticut, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 with a degree in Systems Engineering. He completed graduate studies at Oxford University in 1991.

His sea tours include various division officer assignments on USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730G), engineering officer on USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and executive officer on USS Alabama (SSBN 731B). He commanded USS Virginia (SSN 774) and Submarine Squadron 4.

His staff assignments include operations officer at Submarine Squadron 2, engineer at Submarine Squadron 3, submarine executive officer detailer, deputy commander of Submarine Squadron 1, battle watch commander and chief of staff for U.S. Strategic Command’s Director of Global Operations (J3), CNO Strategic Studies Group 35, and as deputy executive director for the Chief of Naval Personnel.

As a flag officer, his tours include Director, Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, Submarine Group 2 in Norfolk, Virginia, and Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, OPNAV (N13) in Arlington, Virginia.

RADM Waters assumed his current duties in March 2024 as Commander, Navy Recruiting Command in Millington, TN.

Leading 3,500 Recruiters: A Masterclass on Navigating Change With Admiral Jim Waters
224
March 24, 2025

Leading 3,500 Recruiters: A Masterclass on Navigating Change With Admiral Jim Waters

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena sits down with Admiral Jim Waters to dive deep into the world of Navy recruiting and the monumental task of leading 3,500 recruiters. Discover how Admiral Waters, a seasoned submarine officer, transitioned to his role as commander of Navy Recruiting Command and faced the challenges of adapting a massive organization to the changing landscape of military recruitment. From innovative strategies to enhance efficiency to cultural shifts that emphasize the pivotal role of the line recruiter, Admiral Waters shares invaluable insights into transforming Navy recruitment into a more agile and effective force. Whether you're in the military or the private sector, the lessons and strategies discussed here offer a masterclass in navigating large-scale organizational change. Tune in to learn how these efforts not only secure the future of the Navy but also profoundly impact the lives of young recruits, shaping a new generation of s…