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Show Hilltop Times Thursday, May 15, 1997 Force welcomes a Air 368th Recruiting Squadron "I did my four years and now I'm getting out, going back home and getting a real job." That is the common battle cry of an airman looking forward to seeing the Air Force in a rearview mirror. Well, have things worked out since leaving the military? Is it all you thought it would be? Did you find something better? If not, the Air Force may still be the answer. "Some military members may have the best plans to separate from the military and pursue a civilian career," said SMSgt. David P. Gaertner, 368th Recruiting Squadron superintendent. "But, some things happen outside your control and suddenly the picture isn't so bright." There is a brighter side. "Right now, the Air Force is providing an d appliopen door for cants to the service in a number of specialties and special-dut- y positions," Gaertner said. The long list of available career possibilities range from aircraft mechanics to aircraft systems specialists, intelligence operations, weather specialists as well as public affairs, medical services or special-dut- y positions such as training instructors and recruiters. prior-enliste- re-ent- er To be eligible an individual must: B Have attended a formal technical school in one of the listed specialties and have attained a minimum-fiv- e skill level in that specialty. B Be eligible to enlist as a sergeant re-ent- fledged member of the Air Force. This is a true example of a returning success story. Graydon was able to reach almost every goal he set for himself, including attaining the rank of senior master sergeant before serving 20 years. And, with his brief civilian job experience, he is now better able to talk with those who come to him faced with the decision to separate or stay in and continue to pur- force is providing an d applicants the service in a number of Right now, the open door for to applicants prior-enliste- d by SSgt. Christopher D. Greer er prior-enliste- specialties and special-dut- y positions. yy SMSgt. David P Gaertner 368th Recruiting Squadron or staff sergeant. B Have completed at least four years, but not more than six years, of total active federal military service. Some special-dut- y assignments such as recruiting, allow up to 10 years prior TAFMS. B Not be separated for more than four years. B Still have his or her DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty." The Air Force is not accepting e applicants to retrain into these career field, except for is only for recruiters. The those who previously held the specialty code. But, for those who are interested, this may be one of the few times that life can grant a second chance. "I appreciate my military career a whole bunch more," said SMSgt. Thomas A. Graydon, 368th RCS first prior-servic- re-ent- ry 13 sergeant. "Looking back, I believe it was good for me to get out because it made me realize exactly what I had in the military." After serving in the Air Force five years as a weapons mechanic and as an emergency working part-tim- e medical technician for a local fire department, Graydon decided to separate and pursue his interest in the EMT field. However, seven short e months after receiving a position with the department, government cutbacks forced him off the path he chose. Now faced with uncertainties about his future, a new wife and plans for a family, Graydon paid a visit to the Air local Force recruiter. Reconsidering the guarantees and quality of life benefits he'd given up, Graydon decided to return to active duty. Within three weeks, he was back in uniform, once again a full- full-tim- sue a military career. "The biggest change I noticed between the military and the civilian job arena was that civilian employers are reluctant to teach an individual everything for fear that a person might take their job from them," Graydon said. "On the other hand, the Air Force teaches young airmen everything in hopes that one day they will take the managerial and upper echelon positions from those retiring without missing a single step." "I think we have lost a lot of good airmen and NCOs within the last few years," Graydon said. "We need their expertise and leadership skills." Graydon would advise anyone con- sidering returning to the Air Force to evaluate their situation and look at such things as the difference in their quality of life and uncertainty of their present, civilian job. These two factors alone should convince someone to return to the Air Force, if they qualify. 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