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Recruiting: Shaping the future

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Pilch
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  The U.S. military is founded upon many principles and values that run deep with history and tradition. Approximately 2.5 million Americans serve in the military and of that 2.5 million, 1.1 million serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces.

As of August 2010, approximately 70,000 Airmen serve in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard with 2,500 serving locally with the 315th Airlift Wing here.

Without the tenacity, sacrifice and persistence of the recruiter, the numbers would not add up. The Air Force Reserve recruiter is usually the first impression and warm handshake that a prospective recruit meets when considering joining America's premier all-volunteer Air Force Reserve.

Senior Master Sgt. Valerie James, senior recruiter with the 315 AW, explains what it takes to become a major influence on future Airmen.

"You need to have the ability to do the right thing when no one is looking and be a self-starter, self-motivator," said Sergeant James, who is in her sixth year of recruiting for the Reserve.

"There is a whole package that one must submit to even be considered for the position," said Sergeant James. "The package includes an individual's most recent enlisted performance report (EPR), fit test, a financial background check, completion of a five-level career development course, attendance of airman leadership school and a personal interview with me."

Once an individual has submitted their package requirements and is selected for a recruiting position, they must attend the Air Force Recruiting School, a seven-week training course at Lackland Air Force Base, TX.

"The first week is the most difficult," said Sergeant James. "It is a weeding-out process and then the next six weeks is actual training."

Line recruiters, the most prevalent position in recruiting non-prior servicemembers, require time and dedication to see that recruits follow the necessary steps to become future Airmen.

Sergeant James described a typical week in the life of a recruiter, "They usually have two to three appointments per day with prospective recruits, set up Military Entrance Processing Station appointments, follow up with non-prior service recruits, attend bi-weekly/monthly meetings, visit various departments on base for job openings and field questions from spouses and parents."

"It can be a stressful job," said Master Sgt. Robert W. Denehy, in-service recruiter with the 315 AW. "An individual needs to be flexible, willing to move around, thick-skinned and enjoy talking to people."

An individual has to be able to handle rejection said Sergeant Denehy, when discussing the fact that not all individuals are willing to follow through on their enlistment or re-enlist as a reservist.

Both Sergeant James and Denehy have different reasons for becoming a recruiter, and helping shape the future of the Reserve and its members.

"I wanted to see the overall 'Big Picture' of the Air Force and recruiting was the professional path to take," said Sergeant James. "It is one of the most important roles in the Air Force."

As with any career or potential job, there are rumors, myths and frequently asked questions that must be addressed. A recruiter can sometimes find themselves caught in the middle of the storm or sawing down rumors at the mill.

"Not everyone is a pilot," said Sergeant Denehy. "We do not receive commission on the number of individuals who join or steer them toward a certain job."

Placement within an occupational specialty is based on an individual's Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test score and available positions at a particular location.

Recruiters do their best to mirror preferred job choices with available positions when recruits are interested in joining the Reserve explained Sergeant James.

"The most sought after position is any aircraft maintenance or mechanical position," said Sergeant James of the needs here.

According to Sergeant Denehy, some of the most frequently asked questions from potential recruits are:

Is there a sign-on bonus? Will I be deployed? What is it all about? What are the educational benefits?

Recruiting is not just about connecting individuals to jobs and meeting quantitative goals. It is about building relationships and receiving unsolicited praise.

"I am good at building trust," said Sergeant Denehy. "I try to make recruits feel like I have known them my whole life."

Sergeant Denehy conveys the message that recruiters want what recruits want - "to make them happy."

He enjoys receiving letters with positive feedback from recruits attending basic military training and technical school commented Sergeant Denehy.

Sergeant James said, "One the most rewarding aspects of recruiting is seeing people succeed that you have enlisted and then have them thank you for their accomplishments."

Becoming a recruiter has its up and downs and provides new challenges for servicemembers wishing to steer their career in a new direction, but ultimately it is about living the Air Force Core Values- "Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do."

To speak with a member of the 315 AW recruiting office, contact Senior Master Sgt. Valerie James via email or by calling (843) 963-53564or Master Sgt. Robert M. Denehy via email or by calling  (843) 963-4499.

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