Just got our Shirt's regular info sharing email, and saw this shit...
STELLAR TALENT ACQUISITION RECRUITING REFERRAL (STARR) Program
Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) is asking for your help in strengthening our force and wants to reward you for your efforts. The STARR program, governed by DAFMAN 36-2806 A2.14.1.6, was created to award medals to Airmen who refer someone to the Air Force who ships to basic training. In fact, if you refer just one person who ships to basic training, you are eligible for an AF Achievement medal. If you refer three who ship, you get two Achievement medals and if you refer five who ship you get an AF Commendation medal (no more than three medals can be awarded to one person). Since its inception in May 2023, 25 AF members have qualified for AF Achievement medals with the first recipient being an A1C that was one week out of technical training school. Imagine putting together a BTZ package, EPB push statement, or even going before a promotion board with a recently acquired Achievement medal. The STARR program is run through the Aim High App and there are just four easy steps to refer someone. 1) Download the app, 2) create an account (using your .mil email), 3) fill out prerequisites, 4) either you as the referrer can put in the person being referredās information or you can send them a QR code (or link) to fill in that information for themselves (see picture below).
Warning! Old Guy rant!!
It took me two years as an A1C to earn my first AFAM where I was the Wing Airman of the Quarter for the largest tactical fighter wing in the USAF (81 TFW). It took another 18 months as a SSgt to get my first AFCOM.
I know neither is an overly prestigious award, but at the time I felt my hard work and efforts were being recognized and I was proud to receive both!
Recruiters already get a ribbon, why not expand the criteria to get one of those to these individuals instead of watering down awards meant for duty performance?
/Rant