Recruiting, ALS partner to enlist next generation Published June 1, 2023 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 319th Recruiting Squadron and Airman Leadership School here recently partnered to visit local high schools and share their stories of service with young people who might be interested in enlisting. The Hanscom AFB-based pilot recruiting program provided high school students with an opportunity to ask currently-serving Airmen about their experiences in the Air Force. “Recruiting is at the forefront for our Air Force senior leaders,” said Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Rutland, 319 RCS senior enlisted leader and brainchild of the first-of-its-kind initiative. “This program sent ALS students and staff, along with recruiters, into the local community to build relationships.” The program follows Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., asking leaders in January to “connect the Air Force with the American public.” “When the public meets our amazing Airmen, sees the exciting missions, and understands the value of military service, it can be life changing,” wrote Brown. Rutland said the partnership aligned with CSAF’s “We Are All Recruiters” initiative. “We had this class of ALS students that are at the right age demographic and have the best capability of telling their stories to our audience,” he said. Staff Sgt. Tori Glover, 319th Recruiting Squadron enlisted accessions recruiter, stands by a table with Air Force recruiting information as students walk by during a visit to Woburn Memorial High School April 11. The 319th Recruiting Squadron and Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Airman Leadership School partnered to visit local high schools and share their stories of service with young people who might be interested in enlisting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mark Herlihy) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res According to the ALS commandant, students are required to complete at least one community service project per class. “This was an opportunity for our students to do something different in the community,” said Master Sgt. Talisa Bell. “Our students really enjoyed the chance to serve as advocates for the Air Force.” Chief Master Sgt. Gervacio Maldonado, 319 RCS production superintendent, discussed how it also provided leadership opportunities for students. “Instead of doing a three-to-five-minute presentation in an ALS classroom, they [ALS students] got to do it for real and see their impact firsthand,” he said. “It tied in leadership and what wearing the uniform means.” The recruiters and ALS teams visited six schools throughout the day on April 11. In addition, the unique partnership offered ALS students an opportunity to learn more about recruiting, a development special duty program. Following their visits to schools, teams also ‘painted the city blue,’ placing pamphlets in off-base establishments to increase recruiting opportunities for the Air Force. The recruiting initiative is one of several the 319 RCS has undertaken to meet goals. Last month the 319th Recruiting Squadron announced the winners of the inaugural Air and Space Forces’ Sentry Educator Award. The program recognizes the top 10 educators, including counselors, teachers, coaches and principals, throughout New England. Capt. Tyler Sullivan, 319th Recruiting Squadron Operations Flight commander, presents an Air and Space Forces’ Sentry Educator Award to Harley Hall at Merrimack High School in Merrimack, New Hampshire, May 31. The award recognizes the top 10 educators, including counselors, teachers, coaches and principals, throughout New England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mark Wyatt) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The 319 RCS, headquartered at Hanscom AFB, covers 105 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as well as the six New England states. For further information about recruiting, contact Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Nagle at kimberly.nagle@us.af.mil.