I'm MSgt Josh Gelotte. I am an Active Duty Enlisted Air & Space Force Recruiter in Toledo, OH. I have been serving in the Air Force for 14 years and began my career when I was 17 years old, shortly after I graduated high school. I am originally from a small town in southeast New Hampshire. Before becoming a Recruiter, my original career field was Fuels (Aircraft refueling). I absolutely loved my job as it gave me everything I wanted when joining the Air Force; opportunities for travel and education. I have been stationed in Oklahoma, South Korea, Italy, Utah, and now live in the Toledo, OH area. I am married to my wife, Katerina, and we have an Australian Shepherd fur baby, Fenway.
The biggest reason why I joined the Air Force was to get out of my small town and see more of the world, as well as have an opportunity to go to college without being in debt for years. Luckily, I have been able to accomplish both of my goals. I have traveled to about 30 countries, over 4 continents, during my time in the Air Force (Croatia was my favorite!). I have earned two Associate's Degrees, one in Human Resource Management and another in Logistics and a Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green State University in Management & Technology.
The summer before my senior year of high school, I reached out to my Recruiter in New Hampshire to start the process of joining the Air Force. I did a lot of research beforehand, figuring out what my own personal goals were and found that the Air Force had the best opportunities for my future. My first job was a Fuels Distribution Technician at Altus AFB in Oklahoma. I issued fuel to C-17 and KC-135 aircrafts. After that I moved to Osan AB, South Korea where I transitioned into a supervisor role leading Airmen within my Flight. Then I moved to Aviano AB, Italy where I continued my time as a supervisor managing many great Airmen and traveling throughout Europe and Northern Africa. I participated in many unique missions, including Presidential support on Air Force One. After two years I moved back to the U.S. to Hill AFB, Utah and after three years in various positions was selected to become a Recruiter where I work today!
Text me directly to setup an appointment. I’m happy to answer any questions you have to help you get started!
If you have a simple process it should take 3-4 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 Toledo, OH office.
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.
Step 1: Get prequalified. 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 good to go, 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 link to begin filling out your background check information 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: Once your background check is completed I will submit a scheduling request to MEPS in (Military Entry Processing Station) in Troy, Michigan for your ASVAB and 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 4: MEPS will be taking precautions and will be screening everyone for covid-19 traits or exposure upon arrival. Once scheduled for MEPS you will go down and complete your testing on the first day. You’ll spend the night at a hotel nearby free of charge and do your physical the next day. Once the testing and 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, swear into the Air Force, and be a new member in the delayed entry program (DEP).
Step 5: 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. When you are ready, we will send a list of 10-15 specific jobs that you would like to request to our operations center. You will never be forced into anything that you are not qualified for or requesting.
Step 6: Once a month our operations center will receive 100+ contracts. At this point they will review every DEP member in Northeast Ohio, Northwest Indiana, and Michigan that does not have a job and will align contracts based on applicant's request and Air force needs. 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.
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.
Air Force Recruiting Toledo Facebook page. This is where you can connect directly with Recruiting in the Toledo area and keep up with whats happening in your community!
Air Force Recruiting Toledo's official Instagram page. Where you can see new Delayed Entry program members and see great information about the Air Force directly from your local recruiter!