Colorado Air and Army National Guard are working together to build their forces through the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program, or JEEP, a new program introduced during 2023.
JEEP came to fruition with the support of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, the adjutant general of Colorado.
The program incentivizes current Colorado National Guard members to become more involved in referring and enlisting new members into the CONG, said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alexandria Trempe, acting recruiting and retention senior enlisted leader. If a referral does enlist and head to training, the member who referred that enlistee receives $500.
“The JEEP Program has been great for the Colorado Air National Guard,” Trempe said. “We have received 47 referrals since the start of the program in July 2023. These are connections made that may not have been made without the incentive.”
Bjorn Piltingsrud was the first JEEP referral among the 47 to enlist into the COANG. His father, U.S. Army Maj. Rich Piltingsrud, strategic planner, Colorado Army National Guard, referred him, while his grandfather, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Thomas Piltingsrud, was the officer to administer his oath of enlistment.
Bjorn left for Air Force Basic Military Training and Technical Training just two months after he was referred and has joined the 140th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist.
“Once he returns from training,” said Trempe, “he and his team will continue ensuring our F-16 pilots are flying through the skies safely.”
Guard members who refer new members become JEEP assistants. They have the responsibility of making themselves available to provide information, guidance, encouragement, mentorship, and support to the prospect between initial contact, through enlistment/accession, and up to the beginning of initial entry training. In addition, the assistant performs other duties related to the enlistment action as deemed necessary or directed. Once the prospect has been enlisted and has departed for training, the assistant will receive up to $500 for services provided from the state of Colorado.
Major Piltingsrud made a great example of a JEEP assistant when he referred and enlisted his son and was awarded, by Clellan, a $500 check from the state of Colorado in front of a crowd of joint CONG members attending the CONG Leadership Symposium Feb. 8, 2024.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the choice he made, and I know the Colorado Air National Guard will be as great a family to him as the Army was to me. I’ve spent my entire career as a Soldier, and the Army has been a great home for me,” Maj. Piltingsrud said. “Our family, though, has a strong history as aviators in B-24s, Halifax Bombers, U-2s and Spitfires. Bjorn wanted to continue our legacy down that path and can’t wait to join the team as an F-16 Crew Chief.”
“This program is a great resource for the future of the CONG. Unit members of both the Army and Air Force are taking an active role in recruiting efforts which helps to support CONG recruiting teams,” Trempe said. “This program assists the recruiting team in the way that unit members are increasing Air National Guard brand awareness across Colorado through sharing CONG benefits and community with people they know in their networks.
It also allows our recruiters to focus on our team priority of providing exceptional customer service, allowing each recruiter to focus on helping those interested in joining through the process,” Trempe said. “It has created an interest within our COANG units to make connections across the community with colleges, high schools, educators, and other influencers that may not have previously happened. It has highlighted that our recruiting and retention goals are a team effort across the CONG rather than just within the confines of our office.”
Trempe called on leadership to continue to share JEEP with their shops.
“Members, continue to input all referrals into the JEEP link, and our office will get them taken care of while keeping you informed on their process," Trempe said. “The members of our unit know the type of folks who would be a great fit to serve with us and who they would want to work alongside. We are excited to continue receiving referrals from unit members to bring the best and brightest to the COANG.”