Recruit Fitness Optimization: Pre-Accession Training

???????The Air Force is expected to miss its recruiting goal by nearly 3,000 people. These recruiting shortfalls come at a difficult time with rising geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and predictions of impending conflict with China.  Currently, only 23% of American high schoolers qualify for military service leaving the Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) in crisis mode. Currently, $43.6 million is lost each year due to Basic Military Training (BMT) dropouts. Fitness failures alone result in $10.31 million additional costs to BMT operations as only 46% of recruits are passing the initial BMT PFA. ???????In order to ensure all potential recruits pass Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) screening, ship to BMT, and pass BMT, the Air Force must proactively target barriers to recruits’ fitness.  With R&D Bridge will allow AFRS to cost effectively connect with the next generation of airmen, engage them in meaningful and evidence-based BMT fitness preparation guidance, and empower them with tools and knowledge for success. AFRS requires a capability that enables this pre-accession fitness preparation at a scale which is relevant to and effective for the entire USAF recruiting pipeline.