New and improved: recruiters roll out changes to Get One program

Getting nearly 10,000 people to join the ranks of the Air Force Reserve every year is tough work. Recruiters rely on a variety of tools to successfully accomplish this difficult mission year in and year out.

One of the most important, and successful, tools at their disposal is the Get One program. Implemented in October 2000, the program relies on Reservists to provide leads on potential recruits.

"We rely on our Reservists to help bring in the caliber of people we need in our ranks," said Maj. Leslie Pratt, chief, Advertising and Information Systems Division, Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service. "Get One accounts for more than 10 percent of our accessions.

"What makes it so effective is our Reservists know the general qualifications (for joining the Reserve), and they share their satisfaction and enthusiasm with the people they talk to. When a Get One referral comes our way, a Reservist has already cultivated an interest in the Air Force Reserve."

Despite Get One's success, recruiters are constantly looking for ways to improve the program. With that goal in mind, they've implemented some changes, starting with the name. The program is now known as Get One Now. And the recruiters, working with their advertising agency, have established a new program Web site (get1now.us).

"The best way to enter a referral is through the Web site," Major Pratt said.

Reservists who are new to the site can click on "Sign Up Now" to open an account. Through this password-protected account, Reservists can enter referral names, check the status of referrals and accessions, and track their awards. Once an account is established, visitors to the site can just click on the "Sign In" link to perform these functions.

The Web site also features an "online chat" capability that allows Reservists to pass referral information on directly to an "e-recruiter" or have their questions answered.

Major Pratt said the program offers other ways for Reservists to provide referral information. They can e-mail information from the Web site or call toll free 1-877-786-2372 to reach the Air Force Reserve Call Center.

All methods of submitting referral information are available, from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Information submitted to the Get One Now program is confidential, Major Pratt said, and will not be given to any other branch of the military or to any outside vendor.

In another change, AFRC has created a special series of awards, based on the tradition of military coins, for those participating in the Get One Now program. For every referral a Reservist submits, he or she will receive a silver-colored metal coin. Created specifically for this purpose, referral coins are numbered one through 10, to correspond to the number of names submitted, and they may be accumulated over time.

If a referral turns into an accession, the Reservist who submitted the name will get a bronze-colored enameled coin. A second accession merits a silver-colored enameled coin, and a gold-colored coin is given for a third accession. Reservists achieving a fourth accession get a plaque signed by the AFRC commander and a platinum-colored coin. All accession awards are calculated on a fiscal-year (Oct. 1 through Sept. 30) basis.

A complete list of all awards, as well as a list of the top winners from previous years, is available on the Web site.

"Get One Now is an easy way for Reservists to contribute to the Air Force Reserve and to receive a tangible award in recognition of their efforts," Major Pratt said. "There are intangible benefits of participating in this program, as well.

"First, the person who is recommended can benefit tremendously. This part-time job not only comes with a paycheck and educational benefits, but an opportunity to meet and work with some tremendous people. Second, Reservists benefit by keeping the Reserve strong by recommending people they want to serve alongside with.

"Air Force Reserve members make Get One Now great and keep the Air Force Reserve strong." (Staff reports)