Recruiting service unveils ‘shrink-wrapped’ buses

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Elliott
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON --  Air Force Recruiting Service officials rolled out their latest advertising campaign to senior leaders Feb. 19: two very colorful buses.

The vehicles are standard in every way, except they are covered with a shrink-wrap design rather than a traditional paint scheme. Each vehicle features the F/A-22 Raptor, several airmen and contact information for those interested in joining the Air Force.

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper examined two 45-passenger buses belonging to the 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.

“They’re very tastefully done,” Secretary Roche said.

The vehicles will be based at four locations around the country for use during high-visibility missions. Four 45-passenger buses will operate out of Bolling AFB, carrying the Air Force Band, Drill Team and distinguished visitors. A surrey van and a shuttle bus will support youth center and team athletic events at Randolph AFB, Texas. Three 45-passenger buses will support team, band and NCAA athletic events at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. One 45-passenger bus will support civic leader tours and other events at Nellis AFB, Nev.

Senior Airman Daruis Justice, a vehicle operations specialist at Bolling AFB, said the real excitement would come in taking the Air Force message on the road.

“The buses are designed for long distances and will show the American public across the country what we’re all about, what we stand for,” Airman Justice said. “It’s a great opportunity for us and the Air Force.”

This fleet of 10 “rolling billboards” will join the recruiting service’s fleet of 35 shrink-wrapped sport utility vehicles.

It cost about $10,000 to cover each bus, said Staff Sgt. Scott Campbell, noncommissioned officer in charge of public affairs for the 317th Recruiting Squadron. The recruiting service normally spends about $5,000 to rent a single billboard for a few months of advertising.

The life expectancy of the shrink-wrap is about five years, Sergeant Campbell said.

“Once we get them done, it’s basically free advertising for five years,” said Tech. Sgt. Zenaida Long, a recruiter in Waldorf, Md. “It’s all about the numbers and getting people to join the Air Force.”

The shrink-wrap material covers all the windows, making the entire vehicle one continuous design. Perforations in the material allow passengers to see out through the design.

“We want the design to increase awareness of the Air Force to enhance recruiting and public support,” Sergeant Campbell said. “Because the buses travel widely outside the military community, they expose the Air Force to a wider audience -- they’re billboards on wheels.”