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Recruiting future Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tarsha Storey
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Airmen around the world help define what the Air Force is and how it will continue in the future. One special duty assignment, with members from career fields across the Air Force, has a direct impact on what tomorrow’s force will look like. That field is recruiting.

In 46 geographically-separated offices throughout North and South Carolina, members of the 337th Recruiting Squadron at Shaw strive to recruit quality men and women with the right skills at the right time, in the right numbers to sustain the combat capability of the Air Force, said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Kenney, 337th RCS production superintendent.

The 337th RCS recruits both enlisted and officer members. Even though the processes are different, the result is the same: providing recruits with opportunities they may not have in the civilian sector, Sgt. Kenney said.

Because there is no typical recruit, every day is different, Sgt. Kenney said. A recruiter’s daily duties may consist of a community function such as a parade, a high school visit, a classroom presentation, initial appointments for possible recruits, conducting delayed enlistment program commander’s calls or following up with recruits on their way to the military entrance processing station.

There are two customers for a recruiter, the Air Force and the possible recruit, Sgt. Kenney said. A recruiter needs to find the best qualified recruit to fill Air Force needs, while at the same time helping him or her find the best possible opportunities.

Recruiting is the link between all members of the Air Force, from the newest Airman to the Air Force chief of staff. Each member was recruited by someone, said Lt. Col. Thomas Moore, 337th RCS commander.

Even though force shaping is making the Air Force a leaner, more lethal fighting force, the Air Force is still hiring, Sgt. Kenney said.

The Air Force is specifically looking for mechanics, doctors, dentists, linguists and special forces members, said Staff Sgt. Matthew Petersen, 337th RCS enlisted accession recruiter.

“Recruiting is a chance for me to help the Air Force. It’s the best feeling to be able to give back to the Air Force. I love it,” said Tech. Sgt. Tim Reed, 337th RCS enlisted accessions recruiter from Charlotte, N.C.

For more information on becoming a recruiter, call the recruiter screening team at (210) 565-0589.