Air Force continues giving 100 percent

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) --  Strong Air Force recruiting numbers in 2007 show that "crossing into the blue" remains a popular avenue for Americans to serve their nation, gain technical skills and continue their education.

In February, 2,277 people joined the Air Force while another 2,552 signed on to "Do Something Amazing" in January, topping the service's active-duty monthly recruiting goals. 

The Air Force continues to recruit quality men and women for its diverse volunteer force to fill jobs critical to the Air Force in accomplishing its worldwide mission.

"We recruit to retain, so we seek out the brightest candidates possible and provide them with tough, highly-technical training that gives them the right skills to sustain the combat capability of America's force," said Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, Air Force Recruiting Service commander.

Throughout fiscal year 2007, Air Force recruiters seek nearly 28,000 men and women for jobs in more than 150 active-duty specialties, ranging from air traffic controllers to computer operators, jet engine mechanics and medical technicians. The Air Force also needs hundreds of chaplains, doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, linguists and engineers.

Those who enlist are automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force, the largest accredited community college in the world. Beginning with basic training and depending on their specialty, Airmen earn 12 to 72 accredited hours through their technical training, putting them on track to earn an associate's degree in one of more than 60 fields of study. Programs such as Air Force Tuition Assistance, the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the College Loan Repayment help enlisted and commissioned Airmen continue their educational pursuits.

"The best way to prepare to come into the Air Force is to stay in school, study hard and graduate," said General Vautrinot. "Keep out of trouble, stay away from drugs, and remember to exercise your mind and body. When you Cross into the Blue, you'll find a diverse team of men and women dedicated to serving their nation, and committed to our Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do."

The Air Force's official recruiting Web site, www.airforce.com, has more information about job opportunities.

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