News

Recruiter seeks prior service people for officer positions in wing

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Crew chief, flight engineer, load planner lab technician, real estate agent, and dental assistant are all jobs Master Sgt. Yvette Larson has held over the years. But the job she has now is recruiter for the 446th Airlift Wing.

A traditional Reservist for 17 years, Larson has now taken up an active guard reserve position recruiting prior service officers for the Air Force Reserve, and specifically for the 446th AW.

"I started here as the 446th Airlift Wing officers accessions recruiter Sept. 1, 2011," said Larson. "Previously, the position had been empty for six years, with the Travis (Air Force Base, Calif.,) recruiter handling officer billets for the 446th."

Larson is responsible for officer recruiting in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Her focus, however, is more about helping commanders manage their current officer positions and meet their future unit goals.

"I want to meet with all the squadron commanders here and understand their unit's needs and goals so I can best determine how to help them," Larson explained. "We have lots of lieutenant colonels in the wing who will soon be eligible for retirement. If we don't properly grow our own, we could end up with a huge deficit. Commanders need to be thinking in those future terms."

Prior service officers are who Larson is looking to reach. But, she can offer some assistance to those with no prior service.

"We have few valid vacancies in the wing (for non prior service recruits)," said Larson. "For new people it can be difficult to find a position. But, I can look for positions in other wings around the Reserve."

Before Larson got here, many squadrons did their own pre-screening of recruits. Often they would do a lot of the work, only to find out, once the applicant was properly screen by recruiting, that the applicant had a disqualifying element.

"I strive in make sure people meet the requirements to get to first base before moving on to second base (in the recruiting process)," said Larson.

Larson recruits all kinds of officers, to include pilots, judge advocates, and chaplains.

"The chaplain positions can be a really good deal for an undergraduate," Larson said. "They can get their masters of divinity while serving as a chaplain candidate. It's almost like an intern type position. After candidates get their masters of divinity, they can decide to stay in the Reserve, or not. On the flip side, the Reserve can decide if this is a person they want to keep, or not."

Larson said also pointed out that lawyers with two years of experience can get a direct commission into an individual mobilization augmentee Reserve position.

Reserve Airmen who want a commission should consult with unit career advisors, although Larson is more than willing to offer some assistance.

Larson can be reached at (253) 982-9078.