AFA AIMS Launches New Recruiting Resources Portal

The Air & Space Forces Association officially rolled out its latest initiative, “AFA Advocates to Inspire Military Service” (AFA AIMS) May 30. AIMS’ mission is to equip AFA’s network of 113,000-plus members and 200 Chapters around the world with a toolbox of recruitment resources to help inspire the next generation of Airmen and Guardians.

“The keyword is the ‘I’ in AIMS: ‘Inspire.’ We have professional recruiters who recruit. Our role is to become advocates who help Inspire service by telling our stories,” said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, USAF (Ret.), the AFA AIMS Co-Chair and former U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service Command Chief.

AIMS and its resources are now available at www.afa.org/AIMS. The page is also discoverable under the “Advocate” menu on AFA’s website. The new page includes:

• An interactive map allowing AFA Chapters and AFRS Squadrons to locate one another and get in touch. AFA Chapters and members are encouraged to volunteer their information to join in the initiative.
• The AIMS Tool Box, a collection of downloadable resources designed by the AIMS Committee and AFRS. The resources—speech templates, fact sheets, current organizational information, and more—will help AFA members “Tell Their Stories” more effectively.

AFA developed AIMS through an official partnership with the AFRS.

“AFRS and AFA are natural partners,” AFRS Commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein said at AFA’s National Convention in 2023. He called on AFA leaders and members to help his organization address the Air and Space Forces’ recruiting crises by “telling their Air Force and Space Force stories.”

“We know that members and Chapters sometimes feel overtasked and may see this as one more national program, but it’s really a local effort,” said AFA AIMS Co-Chair Lt. Gen. John Campbell, USAF (Ret.). “There’s no pass-fail grade; just do what your time and resources allow. Take opportunities to engage in your community and, if you can, contact your local recruiter, introduce yourself, and ask how you can help. Also, provide feedback so others can copy your success. There are lots of ways to get engaged, but at the end of the day it’s as simple as General Amrhein’s request: ‘Tell Your Story.’”

AIMS is at the initial operational capability stage, but plans are in place for exponential growth over the coming year. The AIMS Tool Box, volunteer database, and online presence will continue to grow as more AFA members join the effort.

“It’s important to understand that the current recruiting challenge is not short-term,” Campbell said. “It’s likely to get worse before it gets better. We are not going to solve it with one volunteer campaign, but AFA is in a unique position with its national presence, proactive and engaged membership, and partnership with AFRS to make a big impact.”