360th Recruiting Group holds change of command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chance Babin
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

NEW CUMBERLAND, Penn. – The 360th  Recruiting Group held a change of command ceremony June 18, 2020 here. Col. Timothy Goodroe relinquished command to Col. Jeffrey Rosa, as Maj. Gen. Edward Thomas, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, officiated the ceremony virtually from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

Thomas, who has been at the helm of AFRS for one week, congratulated both colonels and gave thanks to Goodroe for his work done over the last two years.

“You have definitely owned your spurs here as commander,” Thomas told Goodroe. “With nearly 900 geographically separated personnel, 334 different recruiting offices across 22 states and Europe and 21 Military Entrance Processing Stations, you and your great team of pathfinders have brought 18,000 Airmen into our Air Force. What an incredible couple of years.and in one of our nation’s more challenging geographic areas.”

He welcomed Rosa back to recruiting as he previously served as a squadron commander.

“I have no doubt in my military mind that you are up for this challenge and ready for this command,” Thomas said. “On behalf of all the men and women of AFRS, congratulations. Aim High.”

 The general also pointed out the unusual fact that the two colonels are literally switching jobs.

Rosa is leaving his post at Air University as commander of the Education Support Squadron at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He was responsible for a diverse squadron of professionals who provide critical support programs to Air University’s Officer Professional Military Education colleges and academic research centers. Goodroe is now set to take command there.

Goodroe spoke at length about his time with the 360th RCG, and highlighted the work accomplished with Total Force recruiting, specifically the European Blitz.

“We went to Europe back in March, with each member of the Total Force partnership represented,” Goodroe said. “We were able to educate hundreds and hundreds of people, the base population, dependents and active duty personnel about all the opportunities across the total force. It was great victory for us.”

The European Blitz brought all six partners of the Total Force enterprise to several bases in Germany and England.

The goal of Total Force recruiting is for all of the recruiting organizations – regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Air Force Academy admissions, Air Force Civilian Service and Air Force ROTC – to integrate strategies and activities to present a unified presence in each recruiting market.

Rosa spoke to the recruiters he now commands about the influence they hold for keeping the Air Force ready.

“You are single handedly making an impact on the future of the Air Force, every single recruiter, every single day, with every single person we send to Basic Training or Officer Training School,” Rosa said. “That is a tremendous responsibility.”

Rosa elaborated on his leadership style and his love for the job he is embarking on.

“I am told I can be intense sometimes, that can be a good thing. I can be intense because when I got into recruiting and I felt that pride and passion it made me want to do better,” Rosa said. “And I hope I carry this to you, not intensity in a negative way, but intensity in a way to make the Air Force better and your lives better. I’m here as your group commander to take care of you. You will take care of the mission. I have no doubt.”