Reserve offers variety of opportunities

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kerry Bartlett
  • 934 AW/PA
Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP, ARS --  
For some, military service in the Reserve is a weekend get-away. It is an opportunity to work in a positive environment with good friends who share a common bond. For others, it is the gateway to a new future and a career filled with opportunity.

For those seeking to join the military, service in the Air Force Reserve opens up many opportunities and every opportunity is a chance to work with the highest caliber people in a very rewarding career.

It is believed that most people join in order to take advantage of the educational benefits, however, "across all branches of the military, only 2% of the people actually use those benefits," said Senior Master Sgt. Brendt Traicoff, senior recruiter at the 934 AW. "The real reason is satisfaction, sense of belonging and patriotism."

In addition to the customary training and travel opportunities, reservists can also serve in full-time military or civilian jobs on base. An Air Reserve Technician (ART) is a person who serves in a civilian status during the week and in a military status during Unit Training Assemblies, Annual Training etc. They are the people who run the units on base in between the UTA's. According to the civilian personnel office, there are over 200 such technicians at the 934 AW.

Members can also serve in full-time military positions through the Active Guard & Reserve (AGR) program. In this program, reservists serve in full-time military status and receive active duty pay and benefits but are assigned to a reserve unit. The positions are local and very much like any other job. Currently, there are approximately 40 AGR positions at the 934th, many of which are in Security Forces, said Traicoff.

Perhaps the best example of the opportunities available in the reserves is demonstrated by the three new recruiters in the 934th. Tech. Sgt. Wendy Albee comes to the recruiting command with a background in real estate and 18 years in the reserves. Tech. Sgt. Marcus Erickson worked in forensic science for the city of Minneapolis and Staff Sgt. Craig Dunbar was a C130 Crew Chief seeking new full time employment opportunities, said Traicoff.

Truly, the number and variety of opportunities is very extensive. Many of our members are referred to us by current members, Traicoff said. "This is probably one of the best wings in the Air Force," he added. "There is no reason why this wing can't win the top Get One award each year," he said in reference to the referral program where reservists can have a say in who they serve with by referring top candidates. On that note, he adds that 934th members should use the Get One referral system and "take credit for it". "If you don't know how to use the system, call me or find me and I will help you do it. Put credit where credit is due."

One opportunity that is often overlooked is the chance for an enlisted airman to become an officer. There are two such programs that provide this opportunity Traicoff pointed out. One program is the Direct Commission program and the other is the Deserving Airman Program. One big difference between the programs is that the Direct Commissioning program is available to both current military members as well as non-military personnel. The Deserving Airman program is open only to current unit members.

"I know several people who have been selected for a commission through the Deserving Airman program," Traicoff said.

Regardless of the reason that brings a person into the military, it is surely the camaraderie and a career filled with opportunity that keeps them here. To explore the opportunities available at the 934 AW, contact the recruiting office at 612-713-5627.