The August recruiting and retention numbers just released by the Pentagon point toward a positive year for the Air Force. The active duty Air Force continues to hit 100 percent of its recruiting and retention goals, while the Air National Guard greatly exceeded its goal for August, recruiting 128 percent of its planned accessions. Air Force Reserve Command made 99 percent of its August recruiting goal. The August upsurge for the Air Guard put its year-to-date recruiting effort at 96 percent of its goal, increasing three percentage points over last month. ANG retention is still strong, currently at 110 percent of its annual goal.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.