The Air Force announced today that its recruiting service achieved 102 percent of its fiscal 2001 enlisted recruiting goal by bringing a total of 35,381 airmen to Air Force active duty against a goal of 34,600. In terms of quality, more than 99 percent of those enlisting are high school graduates, and many have college credit.
"We had a phenomenal year for enlisted recruiting. Our recruiters exceeded all expectations, including bringing 1,155 prior service and sister servicemembers back onto active duty," said Brig. Gen. Duane Deal, Air Force Recruiting Service commander. "However, a strong economy and competitive marketplace for engineers and health professionals continues to be our most formidable challenge. We have intensified our efforts on officer accessions, and our recruiters are in full afterburner to meet the Air Force's increasing needs."
Deal also noted that enlisted accessions recruiters have already started well against the new fiscal year with 45 percent of the contracts already signed to reach the 36,000 goal. "Even though we start in a great position for success again in 2002, it's very important that people know we are hiring. We are working very hard to not only fill those 36,000 enlisted jobs with qualified young men and women, but to also fill critical officer positions, including doctors, dentists, nurses and engineers."
Recent events have energized an already invigorated recruiting force. Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, interest in the military, particularly calls to 1 (800) 423-USAF and visits to the recruiting website, http://airforce.com/, have soared. However, Air Force recruiting officials caution that accurate indicators of such an increase could be months away.
