DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- There are many reasons why a person chooses to join the United States Air Force Reserve. Those reasons can range from earning supplemental income to improving oneself through education and training.
What many don’t realize in advance is that becoming a member of the Reserve makes them part of a family of like-minded individuals who want to serve their nation and protect their loved ones.
The opportunity to serve is what many people want to share with others, which is why the Get1Now program plays such an important role in building the core of our all-volunteer force.
Get1Now is a program geared toward gaining accessions through personal referrals by currently serving Reserve members.
Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command, knows how impactful this program can be for Reserve units and our members.
“Because you understand what it takes to serve, you can refer a friend, a neighbor, a coworker or a relative,” said Miller. “Our recruiting has been most successful when built on personal relationships.”
According to Duke Field’s recruiters, the 919th Special Operations Wing has seen great success through this program.
“Get 1 Now has always been our most effective lead source,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Nienhaus, chief of 919th SOW recruiting. “When a person is directly referred by a Reserve member, we have a higher probability of getting them through the qualification and enlistment processes.”
To capitalize on how helpful this program has been for the wing, 919th SOW recruiting has initiated a friendly competition among the squadrons to see who can generate the greatest participation in the program. Squadrons receive one point for each member who creates a Get1Now account on the website or through the mobile app, one point for each referral, one point for every referral that joins, and a bonus point for every previously qualified prior service member to join.
The competition, which runs through Sept. 30, 2018, gives squadrons the opportunity to help build our force of warriors for the 919th. The winning squadron will be announced at the beginning of fiscal year 2019.
Wing members are encouraged to join their fellow Citizen Air Commandos in helping to build up the 919th SOWs team of excellence. As Nienhaus says, “If you enjoy being in the Air Force Reserve and it's made an impact on your life, don't keep it a secret! Share your story. I promise there are people in your scope of influence who need what you've found.”
Program details and information on how members can participate can be found online at www.Get1Now.us.