Tinker NCO selected in new AF recruiting program Published Feb. 27, 2014 By Mike Ray Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A noncommissioned officer at Tinker is among the first of about 1,000 Airmen chosen to fill developmental special duties. Staff Sgt. Casey Bonner of the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron weapons vault, will train to be an Air Force recruiter, according to 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lavoie. "I'm really excited about it," said Sergeant Bonner, 26. "I think that it'll be a great opportunity for me to see the Air Force as a whole and be able to explain opportunities to younger people looking at the Air Force." Recruiting class for Sergeant Bonner will begin in September at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. Stationed at Tinker since January 2009, he said he'd welcome a recruiting job in Oklahoma if given the opportunity. Previously the Air Force relied on volunteers to fill special-duty roles, but after struggling to find enough willing Airmen the service switched to a nomination process last July. The newly selected Airmen were chosen by leadership and commanders from a pool of approximately 7,500 nominees to serve as military training instructors, recruiters, first sergeants, noncommissioned officer honor guard members, professional military education instructors, career assistance advisers, technical training instructors, NCO Air Force Academy military trainers, military training leaders, and Airman and Family Readiness Center NCOs. Leaders reviewed fitness records, enlisted performance reports and other records before final approval was given, officials said. "They are the best of the best -- the first to be handpicked for these roles," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody said in a Nov. 12 roll call message. "A nomination to a developmental special duty is an honor." The selected Airmen will begin permanent change-of-station moves and required training between April and September this year. The length of training will vary, depending on the selectee's job. In most cases, the Air Force Personnel Center said, training will be conducted as part of an Airman's transfer to a new duty location. Airmen picked for the program will earn up to $450 per month in special-duty pay, depending on their assignment. The assignments will extend for two to four years. It will be possible to serve another stint in special duties later but Airmen must spend at least four years in their regular jobs after finishing a special-duty assignment, so they don't get "rusty," Chief Lavoie said. The next round of selections will be made in March. From now on, every March and September commanders will nominate their best performers to serve in special-duty assignments. (Staff writer John Parker contributed to this article)