HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – With just a few days left in the fiscal year, the 419th Fighter Wing has already exceeded its recruiting goal by 20 percent, adding 255 people to the Air Force Reserve.
“It’s critical for us to meet congressionally mandated end-strength goals to maintain a mission-ready force,” said Senior Master Sgt. Brandy Nietert-Corum, 419th senior recruiter. “We’re always looking for qualified personnel to join our team.”
To meet that goal, Hill’s Reserve recruiters visit high schools, colleges, career fairs, air shows, and other community events to find future Citizen Airmen. One of their key messages: the Air Force Reserve offers opportunities to serve in the military part time while also balancing a family and civilian career.
“People join the Air Force Reserve for a lot of reasons, but here in Utah we find that most people just want to serve their country,” Nietert said. “The education and health benefits are also good incentives.”
The Air Force’s newest fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II, has also been a big draw.
“The younger generation is extremely excited to be a part of the new airframe,” Nietert said. “Most of the time they come to our office with so much knowledge of the jet, and it’s exciting to see their face when we tell them they qualify to work on this aircraft.”
The first operational F-35s arrived at Hill AFB in September 2015, with 78 aircraft expected to arrive between now and 2019. The 419th FW and active duty 388th Fighter Wing fly and maintain the jets in a Total Force partnership — and with the jets come job opportunities.
“It makes everything we do worthwhile, providing people with jobs they’re going to love for years to come,” Nietert said.