Recruiting in the city

BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts -- As the 104th grows to support its new mission, the recruiting office has adapted a new strategy, which is to move to where the recruits are. 

The wing recruiters opened a new storefront office at 51 Park Ave. in West Springfield, in addition to the joint storefront office in the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlboro. Later this year, the wing anticipates opening another office in the eastern part of the state. 

"The storefront office provides a greater level of exposure to potential recruits,"  said Master Sgt. Debbie Shilaikis, the recruiting officer supervisor. "The community based approach complements the G-RAP program, which encourages all members to be recruiters." 

The office in West Springfield is designed to offer the new recruits a comfortable, convent environment to explore carrier opportunities. The location is ideal for both the new members and the base community in that it decreases some of the security risks and hassles associated with walkin appointments on the installation. 

The movement of the recruiting office is part of a National Guard plan to market outside of the base and make recruiting offices more accessible to the public. As the Massachusetts Air National Guard expands and requires more talented team players, it must seek out potential recruits throughout the state. 

The recruiting offices are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. The West Springfield office contact number is (413) 733-0864, and Staff Sgt. Andi Stover can be contacted at the Solomon Pond Mall at (413) 237-6735. For more information on the G-RAP program, please visit www.GuardRecruitingAssistant.com.