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Recruiting group makes mark while preparing for nearing deactivation

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 78 ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, Ga. --  The 367th Recruiting Group, an Air Education and Training Command unit at Robins, will roll up its flag and deactivate in October. But the group isn't slowing down anytime soon; it's too busy bringing in quality recruits, as well as garnering recognition and winning awards.

The group, which brought more than 7,000 recruits into the Air Force last year, was presented with the Air Force Outstanding Unit award for its diligence and success.

"We are very proud of the award," said Col. Mike Brice, 367th RCG commander. "It represents the hard work of 750 people in this group. Everyone in the Air Force works hard, but to have it validated with that kind of award is a proud accomplishment for the entire group across 13 states."

Colonel Brice said the success came despite trying circumstances and major obstacles.

"In these times, when we have less recruiters and less money, and the propensity to serve is lower, recruiting is a real challenge," he said. "So to have the success we have had and to be recognized by our leadership as deserving of this award is very special to us."

Presenting the award to the group was Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service. She said the group worked hard to earn the recognition. She also said she is disappointed that such a successful group will be closing. Because of a smaller AFRS budget, a complete reorganization was necessary. Hundreds of recruiting offices and flight offices were closed across the nation.

"If someone asked me what I need and do I have enough, I'd say absolutely not," General Vautrinot said. "We're barely hanging on here. But the Air Force is giving all they can afford to give us."

She said despite a decrease in budget, she is supportive of Air Force leadership and has confidence that money is being spent wisely.

"I would rather run short so the Air Force can have money it needs, so that every Airman I bring in, I can promise them they will have exactly the right training and exactly the right equipment, and it's going to work for them when they go into harm's way or support those in harm's way," the general said.

She said in addition to a smaller budget, fewer resources and a reduction in recruiters, it's a difficult time to recruit due to many other factors, including the war, less desire for young men and women to want to join the military and less encouragement towards military service from parents or other adult leaders.

Yet despite these obstacles, the Air Force recruiters are meeting their goals, and the 367th RCG's success is a testament to the team's hard work and integrity.

"One might ask, if the environment is so tough and resources are so scarce, why are we still doing well?" the general said. "One, the recruiters are working long hours and six days a week. The other part is integrity. 'Integrity first' is why we are absolutely successful.

"Everyone thinks recruiting must be easy because we are reaching our goals, but it is hard working recruiters and very, very honest recruiters who frankly and accurately describe the benefits and challenges of a tour in the Air Force to young people across the country. These recruiters are bringing us through," General Vautrinot said.

General Vautrinot said another reason for recruiting success is leadership.

"Our leaders are good at what they do," she said. "They have a leadership style that motivates and coaches effectively. Anyone can teach a recruiter the basics of the job, but a good leader will help recruiters find new ways to be creative and to use their best skills to do this difficult job effectively."

The general said she is very proud of the work done by the 367th Recruiting Group. And although the group will be closing its doors soon, the team is not slowing down.

"The unit is going to go out of business but we are going to go out standing tall because we did our best. We want to go out with a flourish," Colonel Brice said. "We had a great record last year and expect another great record this year."