HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – When most people think about a military recruiter, they picture someone at a booth in a school or event, encouraging young people to join the military.
Few realize the complex operations going on in the background meant to help recruiting efforts. A key component of this process is the role of recruiting officers.
For officers, the opportunity to lead in the recruiting service is rare. Selection requires applying through a special assignment process for an Officer Instructor & Recruiting Special Duty, a competitive program. The Air Force seeks the best to fill these roles.
One example is Capt. Tyler Sullivan, director of operations for the 319th Recruiting Squadron. A former enlisted Airman and Air Force ROTC graduate, Sullivan has worked hard to get where he is today. That same dedication now drives his efforts to strengthen recruiting and support his team.
As director of operations, Sullivan has spearheaded multiple initiatives to improve recruiting and set his team up for success. One of his key efforts has been shifting the culture and mindset of his recruiters.
“I want you to picture yourself as an entrepreneur and you have started your own business in this spot in New England. It belongs to you,” said Sullivan “Which, it truly does because we give recruiters so much autonomy to figure out where they are going to get the most bang for their buck to bring in applicants. They have to know their area, and the only way they’re going to be able to that is if they personally own it.”
Though he may not be the face of recruiting efforts, Sullivan ensures all his recruiters across a vast area, including New England, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, have the resources they need. To accomplish this, he relies on data analytics to provide actionable insights that inform and empower recruiters. He has also shared this approach with other recruiting officers to strengthen their operations.
These initiatives have given Sullivan leadership experience rarely afforded to young officers in traditional units. He says this is one of the main factors why he loves this special duty assignment and encourages other officers to consider applying.
“The point of this job is next-level leadership,” said Sullivan. If you can gauge how your leadership wants the operation to run, you can be more effective. If you do your best to understand and bring your best approach, whatever your skillset is, I promise by the time you leave, you’ll be a better person.”
To further encourage others, Sullivan wrote a letter titled, “Why CGOs Should Jump on a Recruiting Assignment.” In it, he explains that officers in a recruiting squadron take on a dynamic, multi-faceted mission that sharpens leadership, research, program management, and emotional intelligence skills.
“Here’s my advice: Take the leap. Do this assignment. Connect with your community, empower your team, and push yourself out of your comfort zone,” said Sullivan. “When you return to your career field, you’ll be battle-tested and ready for whatever comes next.”
To learn more about the Air Force Recruiting Service or the OI&RSD, visit Air Force Accessions Center and the myFSS Guide on OI&RSD Knowledge Detail.