Help Wanted: Nationwide opening for Reserve recruiters

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • AFRC Recruiting Service Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  New recruiters are needed to help shape the future of the Air Force Reserve. The Recruit-the-Recruiter program is designed to identify Citizen Airmen who have what it takes to support the Recruiting Service's mission of attracting and convincing people to serve in the Air Force Reserve.

"Right now, we are actively seeking qualified Airmen to apply because we have projected vacancies coming up," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael R. Nienhaus, the Flight Chief of recruiting operations for the 919th Special Operations Wing.

Nienhaus said there are many benefits -- both tangible and intangible -- that await would-be recruiters. Of the tangible benefits, most are tied to transitioning to an active Guard and Reserve tour, he said. As AGRs, recruiters receive the same pay and entitlements as active-duty Airmen, including Tricare Prime and the opportunity to work toward a pension plan that pays immediately upon military retirement.

But when it comes to the benefits of serving as a recruiter, Nienhaus said, "I believe the intangible benefits deliver the most satisfaction. Knowing that you're helping someone obtain the same opportunities that you've had is a great feeling."

The 919th SOW has proved to be an excellent supplier of Air Force Reserve recruiters. Master Sgt. Geovanny Govea, a recruiter now working out of Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., was a member of the 919th SFS from 2009 to 2011. He was named the Recruiting Service's noncommissioned officer of the year for 2013.

Govea said one of his favorite parts about serving as a recruiter is "It keeps me on my toes! It's dynamic, rewarding, flexible, and stimulates my personal & professional growth. Aside from the huge fun factor of making dreams come true, you end up breaking out of comfort zones, thinking outside the box, inviting challenges, and adding valuable ingredients to your resume for life after Air Force. I feel like what I do is the Air Force Reserve's best kept secret."

He also said since the Airmen of the 919th SOW are of such a high caliber, they would make ideal recruiters and do an excellent job at representing the Air Force Reserve.

Those interested in becoming a recruiter should contact Senior Master Sgt. Michael Nienhaus at (850) 883-6297.