Looking for the best Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The 349th Recruiting Squadron is the face of the Air Force in the region. The 349th RCS is responsible for all Air Force active duty enlisted and line officer recruiting in Oklahoma, Kansas, most of Missouri and Arkansas, covering 183,000 square miles. The squadron has a recruiting goal of 1,275 new recruits each year, 4.3 percent of the overall Air Force goal. The squadron is authorized 62 recruiters spread across 53 recruiting offices in their area. Last year, Tinker Air Force Base recruiters contributed 1,012 Airmen and 42 Line Officers to the Air Force mission. "In addition to recruiting, we partner with military, civic, educational and commercial organizations to generate awareness of Air Force opportunities for success. Our recruiters are the only connection many communities have with the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Sheets, chief Standardization and Training, 349th RCS. The squadron believes that one of the most important things when meeting a new applicant is to make a good first impression. The recruiters make a point to look sharp and be sharp to draw the highest quality applicants to the Air Force. New applicants are placed in the Delayed Entry Program until they ship to basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. The recruiter has the task of keeping applicants motivated and qualified until they leave for basic training. This sometimes presents some unique challenges, but they feel it is part of what makes recruiting such a rewarding job. Applicants must be morally, physically and mentally qualified before they can leave for basic training and, of all the services, the Air Force has the toughest qualifications to join. "Unfortunately, 73 percent of the men and women between 17 and 24 years old are already unqualified for multiple reasons to join the Air Force. Many applicants have law violations, financial indebtedness, or drug use that is non-compatible with military standards," said Sergeant Sheets. Less than 10 percent of all Air Force applicants enter the service with a waiver, compared to 50 percent for the Marine Corps, and 20 percent for the Army and Navy. "We are responsible for replenishing our Air Force's combat power, therefore helping maintain its ability to continue to fight our nation's wars," said Sergeant Sheets. The 349th has three recruiting offices in the Oklahoma City Midwest City area. For questions call 946-6151, 755-9397 or 733-2320. Squadron Achievements: · The squadron was recently recognized as the No. 1 Enlisted Programs Squadron in the Air Force. · Military Entrance and Processing Station in Kansas City was recognized by the commander as the No. 1 large MEPS in the Air Force. · The squadron was selected as the No. 1 Enlisted Programs Squadron, No. 1 Medium MEPS (Oklahoma City), No. 1 Enlisted Accessions Flight in the 369th Recruiting Group. · The only squadron to finish FY08 with all recruiters making or exceeding their accession goals. · Five of eight flights finished FY08 at 115 percent or more of their accession goal. · Squadron recruiters were awarded the Silver Badge for achieving 115 percent of the accession goal. · The squadron was also the No. 1 recruiting squadron in the nation in Special Ops AFSC accessions, the hardest career fields to find and qualify applicants.