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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The main attraction at any air show is typically the aircraft. As the jets zoom through the sky demonstrating their aerial capabilities with jaw-dropping precision, air show attendees get a rare look at their nation’s defense systems and hopefully walk away with a greater appreciation for the U.S. military and the service members in their community.

At the end of the day, however, attendees don’t have to walk away from the base for good. Air shows also serve as recruitment tools, with hundreds of citizens learning about the opportunities and benefits available through military service each year.

Those who attend the 2016 Shaw Air Expo and open house, “Thunder Over the Midlands” will have the opportunity to discuss career options with U.S. Air Force Reserve and active duty recruiters, as well as recruiters from other branches of the U.S. military.

“They’ll likely bring out the Air Force Reserve RV and we’ll have other recruiters out there at the air show,” said Master Sgt. Mark Shearin, 20th Force Support Squadron Air Force Reserve in-service recruiter. “We’ll have information cards that anyone interested in joining can fill out and we’ll get in touch with them later.”

Many people in the U.S. today have a relative, a friend or a friend-of-a-friend who has served or is actively serving in the armed forces. For those who do not, air shows and base open houses provide the perfect opportunity to get an inside look at military life and talk one-on-one with service members in their community.

“My first experience with the U.S. Air Force was at an air show,” said Senior Airman Bryan Stewart, 55th Communications Squadron communication security accountant. “I discussed a few options with a recruiter at the show and after a few appointments with her, I signed an active duty enlistment contract. So far it’s proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I don’t think I would have even considered it had I not met my recruiter for the first time at that air show.”

Each branch of service has its own set of eligibility requirements, including age, highest level of education and physical fitness level. Setting up an appointment with a recruiter is the best way for interested applicants to determine whether or not they are eligible for military service.

Shearin said that although the 2016 Shaw Air Expo will be an excellent opportunity for those seeking careers in the armed forces to get answers to their questions and learn more about military life, his job is not to coerce anyone into signing a military contract.

“We’ll be out and about handing out goodies: lanyards, keychains; things like that,” Shearin said. “If someone has an interest in joining, we’ll set up an appointment for them, but we won’t pressure anyone into joining.”

Recruitment opportunities are also available to those who are unable to attend the 2016 Shaw Air Expo. For more information, visit www.airforce.com/how-to-join/connect or call 1-800-423-USAF (8723).

2016 Shaw Air Expo provides career opportunities

By 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs