Air Force Reserve tops recruiting goal again

Published Sept. 5, 2006
By Master Sgt. Gary Johnson
Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- For the sixth year in a row, Air Force Reserve Command has exceeded its recruiting goal. AFRC Recruiting Service surpassed its goal for the 2006 recruiting year Aug. 31 when it accessed its 8,001st recruit. The number signing up continues to climb.

Col. Francis Mungavin, AFRC Recruiting Service commander, said success came from hard work, outstanding recruiter training programs, a fair and equitable career management program, attainable recruiting goals, and targeted marketing strategies.

"This has been a tough year for recruiting, but our recruiters have stepped up to the plate and hit another grand slam," Colonel Mungavin said. "This is our sixth year in a row of making command recruiting goal and it's all because we have the best recruiters in the Department of Defense.

"I can't thank our recruiters enough for all their hard work," he said. "They have internalized the Air Force Core Values. They are true professionals all the way."

Air Force Reserve recruiter training includes the IMPACT Selling System, a six-step process that concentrates on the applicant's wants and needs. Investigate, Meet, Probe, Apply, Convince and Tie it up are the steps used to create a win-win situation, helping recruiters learn about the needs of their applicants and applying that information to reach mission requirements.

Many of the command's enlistees come from Get One Now program leads given to recruiters by reservists themselves. The recruiters know reservists are the best people to explain how it feels to serve ones country and receive benefits for that service. The program acknowledges the reservists' contributions with an award and recognition program.

AFRC Recruiting Service also sponsors an aggressive air show presence, featuring its jet car and aerobatic bi-plane performances. This year AFRC Recruiting Service introduced its Recruiting Support Vehicle and Pavilion concept. RSVP offers recruiters more visibility and a pleasant environment to discuss career opportunities with people attending an air show. AFRC air show acts have been given a significant makeover and have made an impressive splash at shows across the nation, according to AFRC recruiters.

Added to this mix is a successful national advertising program that targets markets by geographical zones. AFRC Recruiting Service advertising employs a new on-line and phone qualification center.

Colonel Mungavin said a major reason for this year's recruiting success is a responsive advertising staff and a dedicated headquarters staff.

"I believe the Air Force Reserve has the best career opportunities, relative to benefits package, currently offered among the services," said Capt. Greg Peterson, 622nd Flight commander, AFRC Recruiting Service. "We attract and hire the right people as recruiters for the right reasons. Our people want to be United States Air Force Reserve recruiters.

"Colonel Mungavin works tirelessly to provide the best possible command support and force multipliers, resources and tools, for our recruiters. Senior Air Force Reserve Command leaders know that it takes top-caliber people to achieve the AFRC mission. They empower and support the AFRC Recruiting Service by promoting a single-minded purpose. Our numbered air force and wing commanders, along with their support agencies, replicate this single-minded effort toward local manning efforts. Execution of programs and policy at the wing level is a critical element."

The Air Force Reserve is an integral part of the total force. Its vision is to provide the world's best mutual support to the Air Force and its joint partners - flying and fighting as "unrivaled wingmen." (AFRC News Service)