News

New recruiters join team accustom to exceeding goals

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Do you want the Air Force to be your life, or do you want it to enhance your life? That is the question rookie recruiter Tech. Sgt. Orlando Andujar likes to ask potential Airmen trying to decide between joining the active duty and joining the Reserve.

In Fiscal Year 2013, the 446th Airlift Wing's recruiters found 305 people who chose to have their lives enhanced.

"We did really well," said Chief Master Sgt. Kristyn Ervin, chief of Air Force Reserve recruiting at McChord Field. "We ended up the year with 305 accessions, which is one more than we did last year. So our goal this year is to do one more, 306."

Alofty goal considering two of the unit's veteran (and prolific) recruiters have departed. Stepping into their shoes is rookie Andujar, and Tech. Sgt. Warren Hill, who has five years of experience.

Originally from New Jersey, Andujar has spent time on active duty as a jet engine mechanic before switching to the Air Force Reserve. He decided to become a recruiter for the Reserve in 2012.

"I got here August 21 and I'm still looking for my first recruit," said Andujar. "My area is over in the Tukwila/Seattle area. Until I get all trained up and comfortable with what I'm doing though, I'm spending my time at McChord; the chief wants to make sure that I'm prepared and qualified."

Taking over for a far more experienced recruiter, Andujar has several leads and applicants to work.

"These leads and applicants were handed over to me by the previous recruiter from that area," said Andujar. "The recruiters that were here before, in some way shape or form, are providing me training in the tough stuff first. I'm getting all the training I could possibly get. "

For Hill, it's a bit of an easier path. Originally from North Carolina, he has served as a recruiter at Pope Field, N.C., and Tyndall AFB, Fla. After 10 years of active-duty Army, Hill joined the Air Force Reserve in August 2000 as a crew chief on the KC-135. He has also worked in vehicle maintenance.

"Right now I'm working four leads and hope to process them by the end of the month," said Hill. "I see this environment as a little more challenging in the sense that the prior recruiter who was here was able to recruit so many. So my goal is not so much to match what he has done, but to be able to provide customer service at the same level and same rate."

Providing outstanding customer service comes naturally to Hill because he is a self-described people person.

"I like helping people, meeting people, having conversations with people. We're not only selling the Air Force Reserve, but a life and a career," said Hill, responsible for recruiting in the Tacoma area.

Hill's official recruiting goal for the fiscal year is 44. His expectation for himself is 52.

"I don't really have a 'pick up' line. It depends on the situation. I try to remain neutral when approaching applicants. When you create a sales pitch, you become a character and it doesn't really work well. An effective recruiter is like a chameleon and blends in with his surroundings," Hill explains.

Andujar agrees with Hill about being chameleon like.

"You have to be relatable," he said. "I feel no matter what component of the Air Force, making the decision to join is like winning the lottery and just living on the interest. It has just been such a good lifestyle with the challenges and the hard days. When I think back, I can't really remember why the days were so hard, but I can remember why the days were so good. I think the best salesmen are the ones who really believe in their product."

Andujar has a rookie goal of 29 accessions for this fiscal year. That's considerably less than what is expected from more experienced recruiters.

"My personal goal is to do the best that I can and fill the shoes that were left vacant," he said.

If FY 2014 is anything like FY 2013, Andujar will have some help.

"One of the reasons we were so successful this year is because all the units went through their manning, and identified what positions they needed to fill their readiness positions," said Ervin. "Colonel (Bruce) Bowers' focus is readiness and recruiting is a big part of that." 

Bowers is the commander of the 446th Airlift Wing.

"Our success was a combined effort between the commander, the units and Master Sergeant (Natasha) Kienow, who's a rock star (in the 446th Force Support Squadron). She made sure the units knew what their openings were and she made sure they were advertised for the recruiters to fill."

Ervin credits the unit's successful recruiting year to that joint effort. But also defines their success by more than the numbers.

"What we're most excited about is we didn't just put in people, we put in people in the right places," she said.