Date Approved

6-26-2006

Embargo Period

4-5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Public Relations

Department

Public Relations & Advertising

College

Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts

Advisor

Basso, Joseph

Subject(s)

United States Air Force--Recruiting, enlistment, etc.; Recruiting and enlistment

Disciplines

Public Relations and Advertising

Abstract

This study examines who or what influences a military recruit from New Jersey or New York City to join the United States Air Force in Post 9/11 America. Knowing what influences recruits for enlistment could help ensure the Air Force is targeting the right influencers and incorporating the most effective communications methods into its recruiting strategy. The study will also look into whether the events of 9/11 affected the decision to join the Air Force.

Recruits were asked to participate in data collection for the research through a survey sent electronically via email. Responses were tabulated using Microsoft excel software. The author also conducted, six personal interviews to generate further discussion on this topic of recruiting and its influencers.

Findings indicate that the top three influences in a recruit's decision to join the Air Force are in this order: tuition assistance provided by the Air Force, a sense of duty of serving the United States, and familial influences. The events of 9/11 affected a little less than half of the respondents as a strong influence to join the Air Force, and guidance counselors, teachers and coaches were among the least to influence the recruits.

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