An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

Air Force Recruiting: Live it every day

  • Published
  • By Maj. Tod Ioakim
  • 919th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander
DUKE FIELD, Fla -- --  When was the last time you did a "recruiting pitch for the USAF Reserves? Well, for me, the most recent was May 6, when I had the pleasure of presenting a Reserve Officer's Association Award to a distinguished Air Force Junior ROTC cadet at Pensacola High School. 

I have done this presentation in past years and have always taken the opportunity to spend a few minutes telling the audience about the 919th Special Operations Wing mission and the many benefits (G.I. Bill, Tuition Assistance, Tricare, etc.) to being in the Reserve today. 

As I scanned the auditorium full of cadets, I couldn't help but wonder just how many of these cadets would actually end up pursuing a military career. If their decision ultimately is not to pursue an active military career, maybe they remember a little about my "recruiting pitch" and decide to pursue a career in the Reserves. 

If we all make recruiting for the USAF Reserve a regular part of our daily life, sooner or later, someone is going to take us up on our offer. In today's tough economic times and challenging job market, the time is very ripe to win over prior and non- prior service members. 

The Air Force "Get1Now" program is an awesome way to refer individuals to a local recruiter through the website - www.Get1Now.us. If you haven't visited the site, you should check it out sometime. 

The last time I referred someone I received a nice coin as well as other miscellaneous USAF Reserve "stuff." If your referral actually joins the Reserves, then you become eligible for some very impressive awards - the more points that you accrue the higher the award level. 

All this just for dropping a name and a number and the recruiter does the rest. How cool is that?  In today's Global War on Terrorism, the demand for Guard and Reserve is greater than it ever has been. Let's all do our part to ensure that the U.S. Air Force Reserves not only meets but surpasses its recruiting objectives in the future.