New Air Force recruiting station opens in Anchorage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  A new Air Force recruiting station opened for business at Glenn Square Mall in Anchorage, Alaska, May 10, 2016.

As part of the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, Army Lt. Col. John Gaivin, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander, swore 27 recruits into the Delayed Entry Program. Gavin's son was amongst the pool of enlistees performing the oath of enlistment.

The station is now the only active-duty Air Force recruiting station in Alaska, said Master Sgt. Patrick Bergeron, 361st Recruiting Squadron flight chief.

All recruiters at the new station are tier-two recruiters, meaning they have prior experience in the career field, he said. Between the three active duty personnel there are more than 25 years of recruiting experience.

The sheer size of the state should not deter anyone from joining the world's greatest air force, said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Carver, 361st RCS enlisted accessions recruiter. Air travel, as well as meal and hotel vouchers are provided to guarantee enlistees have no out-of-pocket expense.

"They can come here and join the Air Force from a geographically separated location and not have to pay anything out of pocket," he said.

All recruiters expressed their confidence that they will provide the best enlistment experience possible.

Located just minutes away from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, recruiters have an abundance of networking opportunities with service members from a variety of career fields.

When an enlistee has a question about a particular career, a call to the base can provide a day-to-day perspective - information which might otherwise be unavailable.

"We don't just get them in the Air Force, but we get them prepared for [basic military training]," Carver said.

Two monthly meetings will be hosted to prepare potential enlistees for military service, Carver said. At the first, recruits learn tools for success in Air Force BMT. The Airman's Creed, reporting statements, rank structure, facing movements and other necessary information will be covered.

The second meeting will be a DEP leadership event, during which members volunteer in the community, Bergeron said. One previous volunteer event involved painting doors and performing yard work at a center for troubled teens in Eagle River.

"In Alaska, we expect anywhere from 78 to 104 [enlistees per year]" Bergeron said. "Of course it all depends on demand."

The Air Force was hiring about 27,000 people per year, but that number has risen to 34,000.

The Air Force is currently hiring for active duty - people who have prior service in the Air National Guard, or Reserve are sought after, Bergeron said.

To schedule an appointment with an Air Force recruiter, call 277-0044.