AMC retention program continues focus on commanders, supervisors

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) - Providing commanders and supervisors with information they need to conduct solid career counseling for their troops continues to be the focus of Air Mobility Command's Year of Retention
and Recruiting initiative.

AMC declared fiscal year 2001 as YoRR last October to re-energize leaders and to give them the tools they need to
positively impact retention within their units, said Maj. Josh Jose, chief of AMC Retention and Recruiting Division.

"YoRR is coming along as good as can be expected. Every base has a program now in place that is designed to get
everyone involved and informed about the benefits of making the Air Force a career," Jose said. "Also, recruiting efforts have taken off like never before. There is a tremendous amount of involvement from our troops reaching out to the community to tell them about what it's like to be in the Air Force. While our bases have always been very active in supporting local recruiters, YoRR has given us an opportunity to bring these efforts to the forefront."

As part of YoRR, the major and Master Sgt. Michael Speir, superintendent of AMC Retention and Recruiting Division,
traveled to AMC bases to spread the word about the campaign.

"During our trips, we tried to get across to our supervisors that recognition is a big part of the morale of our troops," Speir said. "We're not talking about Meritorious Service Medals or quarterly awards. Those are important, but we're talking about recognition that deals with the desire to feel needed. Everyone's hard work has great impact on the mission, and we as supervisors and leaders need to do a better job of relaying this to our folks. Our troops need to know the importance of what they do and how they contribute to the success of our mission. Take note of their work and let them know it's appreciated. 'Thank you' and 'good job' can go a long way toward building confidence and teamwork."

While commanders and supervisors are the focal points for YoRR, Jose said the program is for everyone.

"We need to keep in mind that YoRR is not a spectator sport where you can sit on the sidelines and watch," he said. "This program is intended for each individual to get involved with their own careers and find out what is available to them. Folks typically separate not knowing all the benefits they leave behind. We need to get people to realize this.

"The grass is not always greener on the other side. So get to know what the Air Force has to offer you by finding out
what is available from reliable sources. It's your career, the effort you spend on research is worth it."

So far, Jose said it's too early to tell how YoRR has affected retention and recruiting rates.

"It may even take a few years before we can adequately assess our success," the major said. "YoRR has been effective in getting people to think a little harder about what they would lose if they separate from the Air Force. In our recruiting efforts, we have stepped up to the plate and are taking our best swings. More schools (colleges and high schools) now have a greater awareness of the Air Force community and are now beginning to open their doors to allow recruiting teams onto their campuses, which is more than ever before this year."

As YoRR heads down the stretch, Speir said AMC people can expect more information, education and developments
from every level regarding the program.

"We will continue to push the information flow and ensure the tools are out there for everyone to use to get the message out," he said.

(FROM AIR MOBILITY PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

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