RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Tx –
Members from the Air Force Recruiting Service hosted "Recruit the Recruiter" Jan. 27 at the base theater.
"Recruit the Recruiter" informs prospective special-duty Airmen about the requirements and quality of life for individuals who assume a special-duty assignment. Representatives from the Military Training Instructor Corps, Military Training Leader Team, professional military education and Air Force Recruiting spoke on behalf of their own experiences in each special duty assignment.
Staff Sgt. Scott Weimer, an MTI at Lackland Air Force Base, reminded the audience about their own first day of basic training. Few can forget the discipline and no-nonsense attitude of Air Force MTIs. Sergeant Weimer emphasized that MTIs shape Airmen and guide them through the ins and outs of Air Force culture while enforcing attention to detail and excellence.
"The mission of an MTI is to transform a civilian into a motivated world-class warrior-Airman," Sergeant Weimer said.
Sergeant Weimer explained the benefits of becoming an MTI includes special duty pay, leadership experience, stability of a four-year tour and seeing the impact of all your hard work. Sergeant Weimer emphasized the long hours and dedication that MTIs must be willing to give in order to complete the mission.
As part of Air Force Instruction 36-3003, permissive TDY is allowed for Airmen who are interested in applying to be an MTI. Airmen can visit Lackland and shadow an MTI in order to see what the job entails.
Staff Sgt. Malcolm Summers, an MTL assigned to the MTL Schoolhouse, spoke on behalf of the MTL team and said that MTLs have a mission to "lead, mentor and develop our Airmen into an Airman of character." MTLs serve at the first-line supervisor to
new Airmen during technical training.
Sergeant Summers said that his own MTL helped get him on the right track. Along with earning credits toward a Community College of the Air Force degree, MTLs gain valuable supervisory experience that puts them far ahead of their peers.
A briefer from professional military education explained what it takes to be a PME instructor. Exemplary Airmen who wish to educate, mentor and inspire other Airmen are needed to be leaders in the continuing education field.
Lastly, Senior Master Sgt. Kathleen McCool told audience members about life as a recruiter. Recruiters are entrusted to run their own shops outside of traditional Air Force bases. While there are more freedoms and flexibility, it takes a diligent worker to meet Air Force goals. According to data provided at the briefing, it takes about 110 contacts to recruit just one person into basic military training.
Sergeant McCool commented that "the basis of everything in the Air Force is built upon the recruiter."
Whatever the duty, the mission of these special fields is to keep Airmen on the path of excellence.
Information is available for individuals seeking a special-duty assignment. To learn more about becoming an MTI, contact the MTI recruiting team at 737trg.mtir@us.af.mil. Individuals interested in MTL duty can e-mail 2nd Air Force at
2af/dotm@keesler.af.mil. Airmen interested in becoming PME instructors can call 652-5928. For information about becoming a recruiter, call 565-0584 or visit
www.rs.af.mil.