Join AFA AIMS and Help Inspire Military Service

AFA Advocates to Inspire Military Service (AIMS) and the Air Force Recruiting Service briefed attendees at the AFA Texoma Region Conference on July 27 in Oklahoma City, Okla., on the current recruiting challenges and ways the Air & Space Forces Association can help.  

Chief Master Sgt. Derek Hudson, AFRS marketing lead, presented information on the current recruiting environment. The Air Force missed its recruiting goal in 2023 but is on track to meet its goals in 2024. One of the biggest challenges is that only 23 percent of American youth qualify for military service – equating to 370,000 youth for all services to recruit from.  

Hudson emphasized the importance of ensuring family members, teachers, and other influencers are aware that military service, particularly in the Air & Space Forces, is a viable option for youth to consider. This is a key objective of the AFA AIMS initiative. 

Vance Clarke, AFA AIMS co-chair for communications, talked about AFA’s goal to inspire military service. He said that AFRS works to inspire, engage, and finally recruit. They recruit very well, but AFA members and chapters can help with the inspire and engage portions. AFA can talk with influencers, such. as coaches, teachers, parents, business leaders, and more. The same people AFA engages with in our educate, advocate, and support efforts. 

Clarke says the AIMS initiative is asking AFA members to:  

1. Tell Your Story  

2. Contact your local recruiting squadron  

3. Opt-in on our AFA AIMS map to show your willingness to be contacted by a recruiter, or other influencer, in your area.  

You can find out more details by going to the AIMS website at www.afa.org/aims. You will find information on the environment, how to tell your story, and specific details on where your local recruiting squadron is and how to contact them. And, if this is appealing to you, please join us – answer the call and put your information on our map and opt in on the main AIMS page (see the big blue box) and Raise Your Hand! 

AFA and AFRS are working hard to expand their partnership, and by joining you can help. This initiative is the beginning of building a strong influencer force able to positively impact communities and awareness that military service has tremendous benefits and potential career aspects for those who qualify.  

If you would like to know more, reach out to us at AIMS.Communications@afa.org.