Nebraska Air Guard expedites recruitment as enrollment slows

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska National Air Guard is boosting recruitment efforts as experts report the largest decrease in recruiting since 1973.

Nebraska National Air Guard Master Sergeant Kyle Eddy says despite nationwide challenges, staffing goals are being met in Nebraska.

“Currently on the Air Guard side, we’re right on track, we’re at 100 percent of our fiscal year goal,” Eddy said.

Nationally, labor shortages have continued to hit a downward trend in every industry.

Eddy says the Air Guard has been able to maintain recruitment within the state with “strategic planning” which encourages expansion despite the decrease in applicants.

In Nebraska, sergeants are trying to get ahead of challenges that they expect to see from national trends.

Eddy says their ideal recruits could make the difference not only in Nebraska but nationally.  Many candidates are looking to go to college, learn a trade or work towards a brighter future.

“This is definitely a place where you can travel the world, serve your state, serve your country, people that want to serve…that’s usually our typical ideal candidate.”