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We are all recruiters

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  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  "We are all recruiters."

The new Air Force program puts recruiting in everyone's hands -- from active duty military to Department of Defense civilians.

Oftentimes, young people see Airmen and want to engage in conversation to learn about life in the Air Force.

Tech. Sgt. Victor Garcia, a trainer with the 349th Recruiting Squadron, said everyone can share those stories.

"My mission is to inspire, engage and recruit future Airmen to deliver airpower for America. Family members, neighbors or pretty much anyone we come across in public is a potential Airman," he said. "We can collectively work as a team and ask Airmen to help fill their own boots in the future."

The 349th RCS represents 105 assigned recruiting personnel across four states: Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and part of Missouri. They cover more than 180,000 square miles and target more than 10 million Americans.

"We're looking to use our active duty Airmen as force multipliers, and if someone joins, we're asking squadron commanders to give that Airman a one day pass," said Sergeant Garcia. Additionally, the Air Force is increasing its recruiting efforts this year by finding 6,500 more Airmen this fiscal year. "Finding these additional Airmen will benefit today's Airmen by reducing Ops-Tempo and of course more Airmen translate to decreases in deployment rates," Sergeant Garcia replied. "Oftentimes, Airmen are getting the job done with manning shortages; that is what we do. However, this is a way that they can have a direct effect on the future force.

"Additionally, we are also looking for more individuals who have prior military service; these previous Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines often have translatable skills that the Air Force can use."

According to Sergeant Garcia, the Air Force is growing from 310,000 to 321,000 Airmen.

Recruiters are handing out business cards to current Airmen to pass along to help recruit young people to the Air Force. "Share your Air Force story and pass out the cards to potential applicants," Sergeant Garcia said. "Key to our effort is getting into commander's calls all over Tinker and briefing the program."

There are more than 140 different career fields in the Air Force. Sergeant Garcia said the Air Force is the only branch of the service that accredits all of its technical training and puts members on a degree path through the Community College of the Air Force. Additionally, Airmen can receive up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance and the Post-9/11 G.I. bill. Among other benefits is competitive pay, medical and dental plans and the opportunity to serve among the best and brightest.

"People join the Air Force for a variety of reasons," said Sergeant Garcia. "That reason could be for college education or advancement but often times it is family tradition or something deeper like a call to serve one's country."

Currently, the Air Force is looking for Airmen to fill mechanical careers, electronics and special operations. Applicants will take the ASVAB and it will place their aptitude in mechanical, general, administrative or electrical career fields.

"We can show individuals how the Air Force can fill an applicant's wants and needs," said Sergeant Garcia. "I always ask an applicant where they would like to be in four years. I know the Air Force is a bridge to get them there and there is no limit to what they can do as part of our team."

To have a representative of the 349th attend and brief this program at a commander's call or base event, call them at 734-7024 or email at rsot349@us.af.mil.