On July 27, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK, AFA AIMS (Advocate to Inspire Military Service) and AFRS (Air Force Recruiting Service) came together to present the need and calls for action to the AFA Texoma Region conference.
CMSgt Derek Hudson, AFRS Marketing lead, presented information on the current recruiting environment. With only 23-percnt of our youth qualified for military service – equating to 370 thousand youth for all services to recruit from – and the fact that in 2023 the Air Force missed its recruiting goal, it is important to look at how to ensure we fill our forces.
Hudson said that 2024 is looking good and on track to meet goals. He showed info that current months recruiting through July 2024 were all green. He said that ensuring family members, teachers, and other influencers were aware that military service, particularly, Air & Space Forces, were viable options for youth to consider.
Vance Clarke, AFA AIMS Co-Chair, Communications, followed up sharing the initiative that AFA has put forth to inspire military service. He said that AFRS works to inspire, engage, and finally recruit. They recruit very well! AFA members and chapters can come along side and help with the inspire and engage portions. AFA can help by talking to influencers: coaches, teachers, parents, business leaders, and more. These are already people AFA engages with in our educate, advocate, and support efforts.
Clarke says that the AIMS initiative is asking AFA members to, 1) Tell Your Story, 2), Contact your local recruiting squadron, 3) and Opt-in on our AFA AIMS map to show your willingness to be contacted by a recruiter, or other influencer, in your area. You can find out more details by going to the AIMS website at www.afa.org/aims. You will find information on the environment, how to tell your story, and specific details on where your local recruiting squadron is and how to contact them. And, if this is appealing to you, please join us – answer the call and put your information on our map (AFA Chapters and Recruiting Squadrons) by and Opting-in on the main AIMS page (see the big blue box) and Raise Your Hand!
AFA and AFRS are working hard to expand their partnership, and your joining can do that. This initiative is the beginning of building a strong influencer force able to positively impact communities and awareness that military service has tremendous benefits and potential career aspects for those who qualify. If you would like to know more, see the https://www.afa.org/aims/ website or reach out to us at AIMS.Communications@afa.org.
