Local recruiting effort lauded

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A program developed by the 319th Recruiting Squadron has been recognized as a best practice for Air Force Recruiting Service.

The latest Committed Augmentee Recruiting Effort included 100 Airmen from 11 Air Force Specialty Codes who volunteered to assist with recruiting efforts.  

“The CARE team's impact has been substantial, driving 57 total force initiatives and supplementing over 4,000 recruiter hours, effectively solidifying the region for the Great Power Competition,” said Capt. Tyler Sullivan, 319 RCS director of Operations.

A key component of the program’s success is Digital Recruitment Operations Plan, or DROP, which leverages digital platforms, personalized interactions, and Aim High QR codes to enhance outreach and simplify applicant engagement.

Through social media platforms, DROP has expanded the Air Force’s reach, generating referrals and engagement with potential applicants.

“Three referrals have already entered active duty, while three others are scheduled to in early 2025,” said Sullivan.

The program aligns with the Air Force’s mission to enhance readiness and develop agile Airmen through innovative recruitment strategies.

“We are engaging with interested applicants from across the nation, making the process fun, and providing opportunities for the Stellar Talent Acquisition Recruiting Referral program,” said Tech. Sgt. Counts, noncommissioned officer in charge of DROP.

The CARE program is open to all Department of the Air Force personnel, including civilians, enlisted members, and officers.

Staff Sgt. Jayne Schanbacher, a CARE participant, emphasized the unique opportunity to connect with new recruits.

“I never envisioned myself sharing my Air Force story with hundreds of high school students,” she said.

Three CARE members received an Air and Space Achievement Medal for their efforts.

In November 2023, CARE volunteers met with high school students in Worcester, Massachusetts, and in February, 2024, they connected with more than 1,700 leads via telephone.

Additionally, the squadron introduced the Air and Space Forces’ Sentry Educator Award to present to counselors, teachers, coaches and principals throughout New England.

Personnel interested in joining the CARE program are asked to contact Sullivan at tyler.sullivan@us.af.mil or Schanbacher at jayne.schanbacher@us.af.mil for more information.