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Durham, NC
Your Recruiters
Your Recruiters
I'm TSgt Charles Sawyer. I'm one of the two enlisted active duty Air Force recruiters in Durham, NC. I have been in the Air Force 12 years and have been stationed in Louisiana (Barskdale AFB), North Carolina (Seymour Johnson AFB) and now Durham, NC. I’m married, have two boys, three girls, two dogs, a Golden doodle, a Pekingese Pomeranian and two Green Cheek Conure parrots. I'm originally from New Bern, North Carolina and after I graduated high school I worked as a manager at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store while attending community college. I enjoyed what I was doing but also realized I needed something MORE in life. I wanted a better way to pay for school, to travel, to learn how to DO something else, to become independent and create real opportunities for myself. Since being in the Air Force, I've traveled, seen different cultures, built long lasting friendships, earned two college degrees and working towards a third.
Just like my recruiter helped me start the process, I am here to help you start. Text me directly to setup an appointment. I’m happy to answer any questions you have and help you in joining the world's greatest Air Force!
I’m TSgt Joshua Raby. I'm one of the two enlisted active duty recruiters for the Durham and Burlington, NC areas. I am married with a daughter, son, and Golden Retriever. I joined the Air Force in April of 2010 out of the Hickory, NC where I enlisted as an Aircraft Hydraulics Apprentice. I have been stationed at Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX, Pope AAF in Fayetteville, NC, RAF Mildenhall in England, and am now am stationed in Durham, NC.
Prior to joining the Air Force, I was an auto mechanic and a commercial electrician. Shortly after marriage, I realized that I was stuck in a dead end job that lacked security and benefits to support my growing family. Since joining, I have been able to travel to multiple countries with my family, take advantage of the education benefits, and established a solid future for my family.
Starting the process with my recruiter, I was the first person within my family to join the Air Force and had little knowledge of what to expect. My recruiter guided me through the process and helped me become an Airman in the world’s greatest Air Force just as I will assist you. Please feel free to contact me to get started on your journey.
How Does The Process Work?
How Does The Process Work?
COVID-19 UPDATE: With all the changes recently due to the corona virus, going forward we will have some slight changes to the enlistment process. Until further notice our Air Force Recruiting Office will remain open and continue to hold appointments and ship out applicants to basic training. However, we will be holding limiting physical contact and holding appointments virtually or over the phone when feasible. The intent is to minimize unnecessary contact for the safety of our applicants and our recruiters. Thank you for understanding
COVID-19 UPDATE: With all the changes recently due to the corona virus, going forward we will have some slight changes to the enlistment process. Until further notice our Air Force Recruiting Office will remain open and continue to hold appointments and ship out applicants to basic training. However, we will be holding limiting physical contact and holding appointments virtually or over the phone when feasible. The intent is to minimize unnecessary contact for the safety of our applicants and our recruiters. Thank you for understanding
If you have a simple process it should take 5-6 months before you ship out to basic training in San Antonio, TX. Each recruiter may run their process a little bit differently depending on the area they are assigned to. Here’s how I run it out of the Durham, NC office.
Step 1: Get pre-qualified. I’ll pre-screen you over the phone to check for any red flags that are disqualifying to enter such as serious medical issues/law violations/drug use/etc. I’ll send you a practice test you can take at home to give you an idea of how you'll score on the ASVAB. If your pre-screen and practice test scores are satisfactory, I'll schedule your initial appointment.
Step 2: At your initial appointment you must come prepared with your original copes of your social security card, birth certificate, high school diploma, college transcripts (if applicable), and a state issued ID (drivers license, state ID, passport, etc.). I will build you a profile in our system and we will review all necessary paperwork. I will provide you a background check packet that must be completed by your next appointment. We will go over all benefits, answer any questions, ensure you’re ready to join, and are open to current Air Force needs. Air Force needs currently include all mechanical aptitude jobs, electronics aptitude jobs, security forces, and special warfare positions. While we have 135+ career fields available and book a wide variety regularly, we cannot guarantee or create positions based on applicants wants.
Step 3: I will submit a scheduling request for your ASVAB test to be taken at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). After the test you will need to return your completed background packet to my office if you haven't already done so.
Step 4: Once your background check packet is completed I will submit a scheduling request to MEPS for your physical. The physical is not a PT test. The physical will be checking qualifying factors such as vision, hearing, blood tests, drug tests, etc.
Step 5: MEPS will be taking precautions and will be screening everyone for covid-19 traits or exposure upon arrival. Once scheduled for MEPS you will spend the night at a hotel nearby free of charge and complete your physical the next day. Once the physical is complete you will know what jobs you are qualified to do based on academic and physical results. You will complete the oath of enlistment and swear into the Air Force Delayed Entry Program (DEP)
Step 6: The delayed entry program (DEP) is everyone who is qualified and waiting to book a job or has booked a job and is waiting for their ship date. We will complete your DEP briefing and give you some time to review the jobs you are qualified for so you can make an educated decision. I will be available for any questions you have and to discuss realistic options. We will then put together a job list consisting of a minimum of 10 specific jobs that you are interested in along with current Air Force needs. You will never be booked a job that you are not qualified for or that is not on your list.
Step 7: Again Air Force needs currently include all mechanical jobs, electronics jobs, security forces, and special warfare positions. Once you book a job you’ll receive a date to leave for basic training typically within the next 1-3 months.
Want More Information?
Want More Information?
Air Force Recruiting's official YouTube page. They have created so many informative videos describing the enlistment process. Click the button for Air Force Recruiting's official Youtube page.
The official Air Force website. The one stop shop for all types of information on enlisting in the Air Force. This covers everything from benefits to specific jobs. If i'm not in your area you can enter your information and find the nearest recruiter to you. You can also search for guard, reserve, officer, civilian service, recruiters as well. Click the button to visit the Air Force website
This packet covers topics such as benefits, pay, bonuses, career fields, etc.
Ready To Start The Process?
Ready To Start The Process?
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