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Can't pick your family, pick your coworkers

  • Published
  • By Patti Schwab-Holloway
  • 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  'Good help is hard to find' is an oft repeated phrase these days. But a program in Air Force Reserve Command may help take the guess work out of finding new employees.

The 'Get 1 Now' program, begun in AFRC in 2001, mirrors many civilian companies in the same way that they give incentives to current employees when they recommend people to join their company.

"Why not work along side of people you know, like and trust?" said Technical Sgt. William Biddle, a recruiter for the Air Force Reserve Command's 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis AFB.

"That is the key to why this program is so successful; a win-win. This gives the power to the 349th member to pick their coworkers and help the wing and the Air Force Reserve Command stay a quality force."

"You have the unique opportunity to reach out to family, friends and coworkers who already know the benefits of serving from your experiences," said Sergeant Biddle. "Every one of us is a recruiter - and let's face it, people you know are going to listen and trust you over me every time," he chuckled

The program provides two types of incentives: one for referral and one for accession.
Referral Awards are based on military tradition, the 'Get 1Now' awards are primarily commemorative coins. For every referral submitted, the Reservist receives a Referral Coin Award numbered one through 10, the number corresponding to the number of the referrals. Referrals may be accumulated over time. The 'Get 1Now' program provides these coins for each referral whether or not the person actually enlists.

Referrals are cumulative for coin awarding purposes, but accessions are calculated by fiscal year to count toward the 'Top Performer' award.

The second type of incentive is the Accession Coin. These coins are fashioned after commander's coins and are awarded to Reservists when a referral turns into an accession. Coins are awarded for one through four accessions. The award for the fifth accession is a leather portfolio and pen. For the sixth accession, a pair of pewter steins is awarded.

Accessions are counted within a fiscal year. For example, a Reserve member who has two referrals turn into accessions would receive Accession Awards one and two. But if the next accession falls in the next fiscal year, the Reservist receives Accession Award one again.

The easiest way to submit is by using the website: http://get1now.us or call 1-877-786-2372. Faxes and business cards submissions are no longer accepted for the 'Get One Now' program.

Information will be used by the Air Force Reserve Recruiting offices only. Information will never be sold, rented or distributed to any other branch of the military or third party.

Every year the Air Force Reserve honors 'Top Performers' who get the highest number of accessions. Awards are given to an individual and to the base or wing with the most accessions. Staff Sgt. Edwin Harman from Niaraga Falls Air Reserve Base, N.Y., and Senior Airman Dawn Larrieu, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. were the FY 2006 Get 1 Now top performers. Each will get an incentive flight in the aircraft of their choice.
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For questions regarding the 'Get 1Now' program vist: http://get1now.us.