JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- On April 3, 2019, production recruiter, Tech. Sgt. Jazlyn L. Johnson, entered the 100th Century Club for enlisting her 100th member into the New Jersey Air National Guard.
For every 100th enlistment, the National Guard Bureau honors recruiters with a trophy presented during the Annual Recruiters Conference, said Johnson.
As one of three recruiters, this milestone celebrates the heavy workload and responsibility that recruiters bare.
Duties may include picking an Airman up from the gate, said Johnson, a recruiter of two years. If a recruit does not meet the designated weight requirements, the recruiter will work with them to set and meet a healthy weight lose goal to qualify, or if a recruit fails the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, a recruiter must provide reassurance and the key steps necessary to achieve a passing score with their next attempt.
“You have to be a mentor…you wear so many hats as a recruiter, a mom, a big sister,” said Johnson.
As a civilian, Johnson is a certified state corrections officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology, from Rutgers University. She is currently enrolled in a dual master’s program where she is studying criminal justice and public administration, all of which she has accomplished while serving in the Air National Guard.
“Everything the Air Guard has to offer me, I say, ‘yes!’,” said Johnson, with a laugh. She also informs her recruits of these benefits, both personal and professional.
Johnson says while much of her recruits know that the ANG exists, many do not know what career fields are available to them. This is an area she tends to offer the most expertise.
“But the bond never stops,” said Johnson. “You’re the first person they’ve known, from the military; they still always revert back to their recruiter for all help, advice, even if it is just to say, ‘hello’. You shape them from a student flight civilian to a disciplined Airman. The professional relationship never stops.”
As for meeting a milestone of reaching her 100th recruit, Johnson said that she is very appreciative of the NGB for recognizing her hard work, but she is proud to do it.
“Those individuals that I enlist, are the individuals I will be serving with,” said Johnson. “I see them all the time, around the unit. I ask them how they are liking it and they say that they are loving it; it was a great decision that they’ve made.”
Moving forward, Johnson said her goal is to continue to grow and learn as a recruiter and maybe, in the future, take a leadership position that allows her to nurture new recruiters. She plans to serve as a recruiter for years to come.