In service Air Force Reserve recruiter now available at Offutt

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A new Air Force Reserve in service recruiter was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base April 16 to assist Team Offutt' members interested in joining the Reserve.

"If they're leaving or they know they're leaving, I can give them some information about how the Air Force Reserve can benefit them," said Tech. Sgt. Clarence 'Brandon' Goodloe, who is the new in service recruiter for Offutt.

The office had been vacant until recently, and Goodloe will assume duties here during a time of increased force structure changes within the Air Force and military. He said the Air Force Reserve offers many benefits that service members might not be aware of. In many cases, service members can even retrain into a new job. For him, the Reserve provided just what he was looking for.

"I was a crew chief and I wanted to do computer support," Goodloe said. "I joined the Reserve as a computer guy, got the training that I needed, and was able to use that in the civilian sector."

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristy Fennessey, who is currently serving as a medical laboratory technologist in the 55th Medical Support Squadron, also liked the retraining opportunities.

"[The recruiter] showed me the job opportunities at Grissom Air Force Base and I saw photojournalism on the list, which is a something that's always appealed to me," said Fennessey, who will join the Air Force Reserve later this summer when she separates.

Fennessey had little interest in joining the Reserve before finding out about the retraining opportunities. She was also surprised to learn that the benefits were so good.

"I liked the fact that I get to keep TRICARE," Fennessey said. "I also didn't realize that I would have tuition assistance, and I was kind of underestimating the value of retirement. I'm looking forward to getting to keep the benefits but also the growth opportunity of a new job."

The Air Force Reserve also offers flexibility in fulfilling drill commitments. Through the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program, reservists can be attached to an active-duty unit at many different bases for an extended period of time.

"You don't have to go every weekend," said Senior Airman Kurt McGhee, who is transitioning from the Nebraska Air National Guard to an Air Force Reserve unit in Minneapolis, Minn. "I have more flexibility to choose when I want to do it. It's just better for my family."

McGhee also likes the job prospects and promotion potential available in the Air Force Reserve.

"In the Reserve, you can switch bases," McGhee said. "You can talk to the recruiter and say 'Hey there's an E-6 spot open at this base.' And you can potentially apply for it."

Reservists are deployable just like their active-duty counter parts, but according to Goodloe most deployments are filled by volunteers first. In his 12 years of Air Force Reserve service, he has never been required to deploy, although he had many opportunities.

Goodloe, who formerly served on active duty, said that civilian life came as somewhat of a culture shock when he left the Air Force, and that was one of the reasons he chose to join the Air Force Reserve.

"It keeps you grounded," Goodloe said. "It's a good source of training, it's a good source of camaraderie - just some of the things that keep you focused, and some positive things going on in your life."

Goodloe said that he wants Offutt personnel to know that he's available to answer questions anytime and encourages those that are interested in the Reserve to come and talk with him.

"We really just want to make sure that whatever decision you make - that it's the right decision for you and your situation," Goodloe said. "Whatever it is, were going to help support it."

You can contact Goodloe at 294-2212 for information on joining the Air Force Reserve. His office is located in Building C, room 238, and office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. More information can also be found at www.afreserve.com.