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Recruiters issue new card to 'Get 1 Now'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tom Talbert
  • 442nd Fighter Wing public affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Changes to Air Force Reserve Command's "Get 1 Now" recruitment program may boost enlistments.

The program, which has been around since 2000, relies on reservists to refer friends and acquaintances to recruiters.

In March 2006, the already successful program became Web-based, enabling Airmen to submit leads to their local recruiters by accessing www.Get1Now.us .

That change, along with offering token, collectable coins as rewards, quickly made the program the command's most successful recruiting venture.

The coins mirror what many civilian companies are giving to their employees when they recommend people for employment.

Earlier this year the Get 1 Now Web site undergone major improvements in workflow. Air Force Reserve recruiters also decided to send out Get 1 Now wallet-sized information cards with Airmen's user identification number, password and the Web site on it. Citizen Airmen in the 442nd Fighter Wing received their new Get 1 Now cards during the July unit training assembly.

"It's all about ease and accessibility," said Senior Master Sgt. James Fritzen, 442nd FW senior recruiter. "Now, like never before, it's incredibly convenient for Airmen - who no doubt are telling their friends and family about their experiences, adventures and camaraderie in the 442nd - to readily transfer that zeal, and the perceived questions of their contacts, to qualified recruiters with just a few quick and painless keyboard strokes."

Line recruiter, Master Sgt. Jerry Hancock, echoes Sergeant Fritzen's excitement for the program.

"It's a fabulous way for good people in our unit to bring more good people on board." he said. "People expect recruiters to say good things about the Air Force Reserve. But, you can't get a better recommendation than from unit members who speak highly of the Reserve."

Recruiters have experienced a 39 percent success rate from lead to gain, which, according to Sergeant Fritzen, is the greatest success rate for any recruitment program.

"When reservists share their job satisfaction and enthusiasm with the people they talk to and work with, we get quality recruits and Airmen get to work with the people they enjoy being around," Sergeant Fritzen said. "The simplicity of Get 1 Now is a winning situation for all of us."