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No two military careers are identical. Everyone has different experiences that make their path unique. Though they’re all different, each one begins the same way. Whether it’s a commissioning ceremony or the delayed entry program, military careers begin with a traditional swear-in and reciting the oath of enlistment or oath of office.
Ramstein’s soon-to-be newest Airmen participated in an hour-long event that provided them with more than they were expecting.
The Ramstein recruiters put together a special event; former military training instructors stationed here volunteered their time to give the recruits an interactive presentation. The recruits stood in formation as the military training instructors came out in full force. With their intimidating statures, they didn’t hesitate to find the first recruit who dared to flinch. Though the display may have been rough for some, this opportunity will better prepare them for basic training.
“The event today made me feel more confident, because I now have a better idea of how the (military training instructors) will be and the things they might say,” said Daniel Rinard, delayed entry program member.
Though the event was stressful for some of the recruits, they now know what to expect. After the presentation, the military training instructors gave the recruits a chance to ask them questions about basic training and the Air Force.
“My favorite part of today was the question and answer portion with the military training instructors afterward,” Rinard said. “I had questions that came up as I was being yelled at and I was able to ask them how to answer some of the questions.”
Though the nerves set in for some, others seemed ready to start their careers in the Air Force.
“I’m most excited for basic training for the ability to impact lives,” Rinard said. “Most of all, I would like to have the ability to help people around me. I work as a certified nursing assistant, so I’m used to being under pressure and being around others who are under pressure and I’ve been able to help make some of their days a little better. To me, there’s nothing greater than that.”
Following the military training instructor presentation, the recruits were paid a visit by a special guest. Brig. Gen. John Horner, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Air Force recruiting service commander, administered the oath of enlistment. This opportunity is something the recruits will be able to reflect on later in their careers.
“Having (Horner) swear us in made it feel more patriotic and official,” Rinard said. “We say the words, and it’s usually more of the adrenaline of the moment knowing that I made this decision, but this was more of the affirmation of this is actually happening. It felt very real and is definitely a memory I won’t soon forget.”
The recruiters take the time to prepare future Airmen, even as far as making video calls to recruits in other countries who do not have a local recruiter readily available. They take every opportunity to give the recruits the best knowledge and advice before they leave.
“It’s the goal of my recruiters and the people that volunteer their time to set the young applicants up for success when they get through their basic military training experience,” Horner said. “A lot of that is managing expectations, showing them what we value and giving them a chance to feel their mental ability to succeed. We need Airmen who, when they are in adverse situations, don’t struggle but thrive under stress.”
With recruiters being the front-line to the Air Force, it’s important they enforce the core values and keep their recruits qualified.
“We are doing extremely well as an Air Force right now in attracting and inspiring America’s best and brightest,” Horner said. “The young men and women who are choosing to serve are smart, physically fit and drug free. I get the opportunity to see them graduate from basic military training and it makes me extremely proud as not only the commander of recruiting, but also as an American.”
