Hiring an ART - Pt 3: Improvement

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christian J. Michael
  • 22nd Air Force Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  This is part 3 of 3 in a series on the Air Reserve Technician program and hiring process.

The Air Reserve Technician hiring process has come a long way since its inception only a decade after the birth of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Recently, there have been advances in the process both at the ground-level and in leadership.

Recent improvements

In part two of this series, Special Examining Unit manager Pat Nichols said that turnover at Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Personnel Center had traditionally slowed the efficiency of the program. Recently, that inefficiency has been suppressed by the advent of the ART recruiter and the creation of something new at AFPC.

"AFPC has been able to establish an 'ART Cell' to help streamline the process from selection to hire," said Master Sgt. William Hose, ART recruiter for Westover ARB, Mass. "Our recruiters have gained valuable relationships with (AFPC members), along with those at the (SEU). I believe that these relationships have helped us to understand the process better, and allow us to better serve our applicants."

According to Sergeant Hose, program strengths have grown and exist for several reasons.

"First, we (were) able to streamline portions of the (hiring) process for the wing hiring officials, allowing them to concentrate on running the day-to-day operations of their units," said Sergeant Hose. "Applicants now have someone that understands the process, and helps them to achieve a good rating based on their experience."

ART recruiters have been instrumental in the newest evolution of the process.

"(We) have played a vital role in helping to identify and eliminate bottlenecks," said Sergeant Hose. "For example, there have been times when a hiring official selected a member to be an ART only to find out that they are ineligible to join the Air Force Reserve. Just by ensuring our applicants are militarily pre-qualified has saved countless man-hours and eliminated delays in the hiring process."

What can improve

While the hiring process has come a long way, there are improvements yet to be seen by those working it.

According to Ms. Gorman, receipt of packages is a bit dated as "applicants can (only) mail or fax" the appropriate forms, saying electronic submission would greatly improve the speed and efficiency of ratings. The SEU is currently working on a new electronic submission process, though is still in a testing phase.

"A few things can help improve the program," said Sergeant Hose. "Increasing wing and community awareness would go a long way. Also a larger staff at the Special Examining Unit would probably help. The people at the SEU are great at what they do, but they are forced to process a large number of applications in a short period of time."

The ART program

The ART program has been the backbone of the Reserve since established in 1958. The program put career reservists in direct support of Reserve units by planning training for TRs, maintaining aircraft throughout the month and becoming continuity and experience.

ARTs keep the Reserve battle ready and prepare Citizen Airmen across the country to stand the line with their active-duty counterparts on any land in any conflict worldwide. Those seeking to join the ranks of the ART workforce today will benefit from recent improvements to the process. Once in place, these Citizen Airmen will help ensure the continuation of Air Force and U.S. operations for years to come.

Sidebar: Become an ART

External applicants can submit a package:
1. Resume or 0F 612 2. ATAFR 202 3. ATAFR 209 (if a Flyer) 4. SF 15 (Vet Pref 10 pts or more) 5. DD214
By the 25th of the month.
Receive the rating from SEU
Receive the offer to hire from AFPC
Receive the notice of hire from AFPC
Call: 1 (800) 223-1784, ext. 7-0113
Log on to www.afrc.af.mil/library/jobs