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Senior Master Sgt. William Eihusen, Air Force Recruiting Office, speaks with the public at an air show Sept. 9, 2012, in Capetown, South Africa. Airmen from different career fields apply and are selected for recruiting duty. Airmen must be motivated to be a recruiter and understand they
are responsible for the quality of men and women who enlist and begin an Air Force career.
The future of the Air Force structure requires a steady flow of highly qualified and motivated young men and women to perform various jobs.
The Air Force Recruiting Service mission is to inspire, engage and recruit the brightest, most competitive and diverse men and women for service in America’s Air Force. Emphasis is on recruiting men and women, ages 17 to 27 years old, without prior military service for enlisted duty.
“Most importantly, recruiters must supervise, mentor and prepare their applicants for basic training,” said Senior Master Sgt. William Eihusen, European operations flight chief. “This includes meeting with each delayed entry program member and ensuring they stay motivated, qualified and are physically prepared for the challenges of basic training.”
Airmen from different career fields apply and are selected for recruiting duty. Airmen must be motivated to be a recruiter and understand they are responsible for the quality of men and women who enlist and begin an Air Force career.
“The environment is always changing; it is critical recruiters stay abreast and be able to anticipate such changes,” Eihusen said. “I became a recruiter in 1999, and in that time we have experienced significant changes in the economy, dealt with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and most recently, the budget cuts from sequestration.”
Siri Lerum and her sister, Karianne Lerum, both recruits in the DEP, are preparing to join the Air Force, which could take anywhere from three months to a year.
“We grew up with the Air Force since both our parents are in the Air Force,” Siri Lerum said. “(The Air Force) provides really well. I know there are jobs on the outside that do as well, but I feel like there is something honorable about joining the Air Force.”
In order to join, applicants must meet age requirements; be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; score of 50 or better on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; pass the enlistment physical; have a high school diploma or GED, or have 15 college credits; be in good standings with their credit; and have limited law violations, no drug use and acceptable tattoos.
“I enjoy being able to make a difference and providing opportunities in people’s lives,” Eihusen said. “Recruiters have the vantage point to see the transformation in their applicants. There is a significantvgrowth from the start of the recruitment process to the polished Airman they become after returning from tech school. This growth process is solidified by the positive feedback that we receive from parents and teachers alike.”
