Recruiter recruits recruiters, MTIs Published March 16, 2009 By Senior Airman Stephen Musal 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On Wednesday, the Chief Master Sgt. Terry Savoie Auditorium at the Goodfellow Professional Development Center was packed with enlisted Airmen of all grades listening to Air Force recruiter Master Sgt. Monty Mitchell discuss Airmen opportunities in special duty assignments. Chief Master Sgt. Frederick Ricker, 17th Training Wing command chief master sergeant, was on hand to introduce the recruiter. "I'm here to tell you that all jobs are important," Chief Ricker said. "However, there are three jobs that stand out. We can't have an American Air Force without recruiters. We couldn't form an American Airman without a military training instructor, and we wouldn't have the professionally-developed force that we do without professional military education instructors," Chief Ricker added. As an Air Force recruiter, Sergeant Mitchell's first topic was the path taken to become a recruiter. However, he also spoke on the need for MTIs, military training leaders, technical training instructors and PME instructors. Being a recruiter, Sergeant Mitchell said, is all about networking and spreading a positive Air Force message. "Once the message is out there," he said, "people look at you and say 'Wow! That guy really likes what he's doing!'" When they see a recruiter who enjoys his job, they want to be a part of that, he added. "Don't come in for the pick of location, or the extra $450 per month special duty pay, or the fact that we test PFE-only," Sergeant Mitchell said. "Do it for the future of the Air Force." Another benefit awarded to Airmen in this self-motivated, hard-working career field are seven weeks of training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, including 13 semester-hours toward a Community College of the Air Force degree, professional sales skills and a public speaking evaluation. For those looking for a hands-on experience, the Recruiter's Assistance Program is open to all ranks and provides a 12-day permissive TDY to work with a recruiter and get a feel for the job. Airmen need not apply to be recruiters to apply for RAP. For more information on recruiting opportunities, look up the Air Force Recruiting Service on the Web at http://www.rs.af.mil or call 210-565-0584. For information on becoming an MTI, send an e-mail to mtir@lackland.af.mil. For information on becoming a technical training instructor, call DSN 487-4308 (medical career fields should instead call DSN 487-3548). For information on becoming a PME instructor, contact the PME school at which you intend to apply.
