AFRS celebrates meeting recruiting goal Published Oct. 4, 2024 By Joe Gangemi Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force Recruiting Service reached a significant milestone as it marked the achievement of its Fiscal Year 2024 recruiting goal with a time-honored bell-ringing ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Oct. 1. Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Arbona, Air Force Recruiting Service command chief and Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, ring a bell signifying that AFRS has met its recruiting goals for the fiscal year, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Oct. 1, 2024. In fiscal year 2024, AFRS successfully recruited over 27,900 Airmen and Guardians, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the Air Force and Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan R. Mallard) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The bell-ringing tradition, a cornerstone of AFRS culture, symbolizes the successful completion of the year’s recruitment target. Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, AFRS commander, led the event, which was attended by military personnel, civilian staff, and key leaders from the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. “It’s an incredible honor to stand here today and ring this bell, signifying the relentless hard work and dedication of our recruiters and partners,” Amrhein said. “This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our team and the resilience shown in overcoming the many challenges we faced this year.” The celebration, held at the AFRS headquarters, highlighted the combined efforts of recruiters across the nation, for both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. “The ringing of this bell signifies more than meeting goal, it’s the acknowledgment of what our recruiters do to support the next generation of Airman and Guardians and ultimately, the warfighter,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Arbona, AFRS command chief, “It's recognition of their tireless work, after all, combat readiness begins here!” Tech. Sgt. Luis Torres-Ortiz, center, 341st Recruiting Squadron recruiter, rings a bell at the headquarters of the Air Force Recruiting Service, signifying that recruiting goals for the fiscal year have been met, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Oct. 1, 2024. Torres-Ortiz was selected with the honor to ring the bell because he was No.1 in his squadron in recruiting Airmen and Guardians to the Delayed Entry Program, adding 67 future servicemembers to the program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan R. Mallard) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The AFRS achieved its FY24 goal across all components, with the active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Space Force all meeting their respective recruitment targets. This accomplishment comes in the wake of an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape, where the military is often vying with the private sector for top talent. This year’s recruiting success can be attributed to a combination of innovative recruitment strategies, policies and initiatives. Throughout FY24, recruiters engaged with communities nationwide through outreach events, social media campaigns and partnerships with high schools and universities. The inclusion of virtual recruitment tools allowed AFRS to reach a broader and more diverse pool of candidates. “This is such a fantastic way to close out FY24,” Amrhein said. “There is no way this would have happen without the recruiter’s hard work and dedication to our mission.” The AFRS will now look ahead to FY25, with plans to continue refining its recruitment strategies to meet the evolving needs of the Air Force and Space Force. For more information on the Air Force and Space Force and to learn more about full and part-time opportunities, visit our websites Air Force or Space Force. To speak with a recruiter near you, click here.