RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Two Air Force recruiting teams have combined forces to make it easier for airmen to sign up for special-duty assignments, particularly as recruiters or military training instructors.

The dual recruiter and MTI recruiting team provides servicemembers one briefing to learn about these and other training assignment opportunities.

During base visits, the team also covers technical training instructor, professional military education instructor and military training leader assignments.

The team saves base sponsors time because the sponsors now coordinate for one team instead of two. It also reduces the number of people sent to conduct briefings, said Master Sgt. Jodie Cameron, superintendent for the MTI recruiting team at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

“I think it’s a really good deal,” said Master Sgt. Weldon Selders, recruiter screening team chief for the Air Force Recruiting Service here. “This gives people the opportunity to find out why special duties are important and puts the information before them so they can make a sound career decision.”

Representatives from each career field have discovered traveling as one team is a good match.

“What it takes to attract and recruit (people) and the ability to transition them from civilian into military (life) go hand-in-hand,” Selders said. “It’s a natural fit. Recruiters find them, and MTIs train them.”

The team’s briefings provide specific information about recruiter and MTI duties and help dispel myths or rumors concerning the job requirements. The recruiting events also allow the team to set the record straight about responsibilities, eligibility and benefits, Cameron said.

For instance, regardless of Air Force specialty code, any airman can become an Air Force recruiter if he or she meets the eligibility requirements. Some requirements are: Applicants must hold the rank of senior airman through master sergeant with no more than 17 years time in service, they must not have any ratings of three on their last three performance reports, and they must have a valid driver’s license.

Similar requirements are also set for the MTI program. Like recruiting, any airman can become an MTI regardless of Air Force specialty code.

Senior airmen with at least four but less than six years of active-duty service, and staff or technical sergeants with less than 17 years of service are eligible to become MTIs. Other requirements include excellent military image and appearance, overall ratings of three or higher on their last five performance reports and written recommendation from the person’s unit commander.

MTIs and recruiters both receive benefits for their positions. MTIs receive $375, and recruiters receive $450 each month in special-duty pay. Both serve non-deployable three-year controlled tours with an option to extend for a year.

MTIs can earn 22 hours toward an instructor of technology and military science degree from the Community College of the Air Force. They also receive $197 per year as a supplemental clothing allowance.

The greatest benefit for Air Force recruiters is the ability to choose their geographical location, allowing them more stability and perhaps the opportunity to stay closer to home, Selders said. MTIs initially serve their tours at the Basic Military Training School at Lackland and can apply later for MTI duties at the Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Ala.

For more information on Air Force recruiting, visit www.rs.af.mil/RTR.htm. For more details on becoming an MTI, visit www.lackland.af.mil/737web/main.cfm. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)