Your Recruiter
TSgt James Schultz
812-430-2486
I’m TSgt James Schultz. I am an active duty enlisted Air Force recruiter in Evansville, IN. I have been in the Air Force 12 years and I have been stationed at Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Nellis Air Force Base, NV (Viva Las Vegas); Grand Forks, ND (Practically Canada; I am now living it up here in Evansville, IN!
I grew up in a place called Navarre, FL. I am a beach bum at heart and yes that is my retirement plan in 8 more years when I am 38. I joined the Air Force for the education benefits and an easy way out of my comfort zone. It has blessed my family with everything we have today, including my 4 year old son, Jackson, and 1 year old son, Colton.
I first went to an Air Force recruiter right after high school graduation. School was too expensive, Rent was too expensive, Job security wasn't there and I was just trying to make ends meet. I went into the Air Force under a "open mechanical" contract. My first job was as a Heavy Equipment operator. I did this job for 6 years and it was the coolest thing I've ever done, but definitely never could have predicted that's what I would be doing out of high school. When stationed in Las Vegas I ran a quarry where I had the opportunity to drill down into a mountain and using Dynamite and TNT I was able to blast these mountain faces to pieces for our own construction materials.
After 6 years of doing this job I wanted to venture out into something new. I Retrained into a job called Nondestructive inspection. I was X-raying aircraft and using techniques such as ultrasound, eddy current, magnetic particle, and fluorescent penetrant to inspect these aircraft and seeing what is underneath, just checking for mechanical failures. The translation of this job into the civilian world can make for a nice retirement so that is why I retrained into this job.
After a few years, I was selected for recruiting then moved to Indiana and now I’m here to help YOU get started creating your own Air Force story. Text/call me directly to setup an appointment. I’m happy to answer any questions you have to help you get started.
How does the process work?
If you have a simple process it should take 3-6 months before you ship out to basic training in San Antonio, TX. Each recruiting office may run their process a little bit differently depending on the area they are assigned to. Here’s how we run it out of the Evansville, IN office:
Step 1: Get prequalified. We’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. We’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, we'll schedule your initial appointment.
Step 2: We’ll hold an initial appointment over the phone. I will build you a profile in our system and we will review all necessary paperwork. We will grant you instructions and access to the Air Force Commission and Enlistment Portal where you will fill your information out at home. 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 have you come by the office for an extremely brief and social distanced meeting. The goal here is to minimize contact. This should take no longer than 15 minutes. You will wait in the parking lot while your documents are prepared. I will drop them off at your car once completed.
Step 4: Once your background check and profile are completed I will submit a scheduling request to MEPS for your ASVAB and physical. We'll complete your MEPS brief over the phone or Facetime to ensure you are prepared to go to MEPS. 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 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 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 create a list of jobs that you would like to request over the phone. You are required by squadron policy to list 8 AFSCs or jobs that you are willing to take as well as 1 aptitude area. Only (2) of the 8 jobs may be medical since there is not a great need for those jobs at this time. You will never be forced into anything that you are not qualified for or put on your preference sheet but may be offered jobs that come available that may not be on your list.
Step 7: Once a month our operations center will receive 100+ contracts. At this point they will review every DEP member in our local area that does not have a job and will align contracts based on applicant's preference 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.
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 Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Officer, and Civilian Service recruiters as well. Click the button to visit the Air Force website.
The AFSC List Building tool. If you have taken your ASVAB and have your line scores (Mechanical, Administrative, General, Electrical) you can plug them in and get an idea of what kinds of jobs you are qualified for. While this is a useful tool please understand requirements are updated regularly and job qualification is also determined by other factors such as physical results, drivers license, citizenship, etc. Click the button and take a look.
We're located at 1470 N. Green River Rd. Evansville, IN, 47715
Office Hours are 9am-6pm Monday-Friday
Click the map to find directions to our office.
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See If You Qualify Today!
Text/call us directly to start your process NOW.
TSgt James Schultz (812)430-2486