Reservists become recruiters

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carrie Peasinger
  • 433rd Public Affiars
LACKLAND AFB, TX --  

Two members from the 433rd Airlift Wing recently received their recruiting badges after graduating from the Recruit to Recruiter program.
The Recruit to Recruiter program was established to bring top personnel from a variety of career fields into recruiting. Recruiting are given an enormous amount of responsibility, they act as a representative of the Air Force to the local community. The program includes training in sales and speech fundamentals, where students are challenged to perform sales presentations and persuasive speeches to demonstrate their comprehension. Therefore, recruiting school is one of the most challenging courses in the Air Force and requires perseverance and a strong drive to complete and graduate.
One of the two recruits, Staff Sgt. Ed Espiritu, previously assigned to the Logistics Readiness Squadron here before becoming a recruiter, said that he wanted a career change because he likes a challenge. The Harder it is, the better he performs.
Completing the school helps prepare recruiters to overcome obstacles they will encounter. Espiritu said he was able to increase his capacity to work with a diverse group of people.
The other recruit from the 433rd, Tech Sgt. Norris Pullen, A former jet engine mechanic, said the most challenging part for him was the sales presentations. "They are very scenario based and require a lot of memory work and you have to maintain your composure the whole time."
Although the program is challenging, it can also be the most satisfying and rewarding assignment. Part of the recruiter's job is visiting with individuals in the community. A recruiter is often the first encounter a future Airman has with an Air Force representative.
TSgt. Pullen plans on going into schools to talk with principals, counselors and students. He said he wants to show them the benefits that the Air Force Reserve can provide. He wants to help them achieve their goals.
SSgt. Espiritu shares similar goals and said he wants to inform them how wonderful it is to be in the Air Force Reserve. He will help accomplish the goals of the recruiting program by accessing the highest, most qualified and talented applicants.
"It's (recruiting) the first step in ensuring our country stays protected. Without recruiting there will be no force, " TSgt Pullen said.