The ART of Recruiting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Crawford
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  Transitioning from active duty military or a traditional civilian career to the Air Reserve Technician program is a big decision, and at times the application process can be frustrating, confusing and time consuming.

Enter Master Sgt. Jo Ann Shaw, an Air Force Reserve Command recruiter who has been assigned to help fill vacancies at the 459th Air Refueling Wing, and to assist in the overall ART application process.

"The ART program can be overwhelming for most, so the ART recruiting program has been created specifically to market and help people apply for positions," said Master Sgt. Shaw.

Some positions available for potential ART members include 80 vacancies in the 459th Maintenance Group, many of which qualify for various bonuses.

"With manning in MXG down to about 60 percent, hearty bonuses have been added to most positions here," said Lt. Col. Timothy Nelson, 459th Maintenance Group commander.

In addition to base pay, some bonuses include 25 percent locality pay, and 25 percent housing allowance, the colonel explained. There will be 25 percent sign on bonuses, and the wage grade positions are starting at WG-10 step fives.

Master Sgt. Shaw helps alleviate the stress for reservists who apply by assisting them through the entire process including reviewing the job description and applicant checklist.

"I further help to guide and assist applicants by tracking the application with a new method and accountability like none before," said Master Sgt. Shaw, "To complete the process I follow up by researching and getting the applicant in contact with the appropriate hiring official to set up an interview."

Currently stationed at Pope Air Force base, and soon transferring to Langley Air Force base, although Master Sgt. Shaw is geographically separated from Andrews, distance does not affect her recruiting mission.

"We are here to provide superior customer service. We do this through emails, commercial lines, cell phones, and faxes," said Master Sgt. Shaw. "In a sense, we are telecommuting to your needs each and every day.

Master Sgt. Shaw supports reserve units and wings in N.C., S.C., Va., Md., District of Columbia and Del.

"Our mission is to aid military employers by recruiting quality pre-screened civilian personnel, and above all to help answer, direct and assist all going through this process.

For more information, Master Sgt. Jo Ann Shaw can be reached directly at (336) 851-4830, or by email at joann.shaw@afrc.af.mil.