Special duty recruiting team to visit Luke Nov. 8

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Bryan Bouchard
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - --  With the AETC Special Duty Assignment Team arriving on base Nov. 8, a former Luke Airman -- turned military training instructor, turned recruiter -- shared her insights about applying for these jobs. 

"I believe every Airman should take a serious look at the special duty assignment process and listen to what both the MTI and recruiting career fields have to offer," said Master Sgt. Kathleen McCool from the 369th Recruiting Squadron in California. Her first duty assignment was Luke and she worked in the 56th Medical Group. "The future of their career as well as the future of the Air Force depends on Airman taking a step out of their primary career field to broaden their scope of knowledge and enhance their leadership skills." 

According to the recruiting team release, a special duty assignment is another step toward promotion and career progression. In addition, performance report ratings are now better than the Air Force average and PFE scores are doubled for those who enter these career fields. 

The jobs available include MTIs, recruiters and military training leaders like the "blue ropes" at Luke.  Sergeant McCool said she really enjoyed being an MTI.

"Being an MTI was the most rewarding job I have ever had in my life," she said. "It is also, by far, the most demanding job. As an MTI you will be expected to be the
example of military perfection." 

Sergeant McCool added that MTIs have the responsibility to shape and mold civilians
into Airmen. 

"You will work incredibly long hours without even realizing it until you return home at the end of the day," she said. "If you are looking for a physical and mental challenge, this is the job for you. This is more than just a job; it becomes who you are." 

After earning her blue rope as an MTI, Sergeant McCool went on to become a recruiter. 

"Being a recruiter is also a very rewarding job, but you have to believe in the Air Force as a great way of life," she said. "You cannot become a recruiter to just tell your experiences. You will learn how to sell the Air Force way of life." 

She said that typically a great Air Force recruiter is very charismatic and enjoys talking to people. Recruiters work a lot of hours, but also have the opportunity to be creative with their daily activities. 

"No two days are ever the same in recruiting service," Sergeant McCool said. "Be prepared to have a lot of fun and work very hard. You should be a person that handles stress relatively well." 

The briefing will be held for individuals interested in MTI, recruiter and other AETC special duties from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Nov. 8 at the base theater. 

"Any of these special duty jobs will be challenging and rewarding but you should look at what appeals to you the most or be like a few of us and try more than one," Sergeant McCool said.