Top Recruiting Squadron in Air Force Recruiting Service Published Dec. 10, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano 343rd Recruiting Squadron OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 343rd Recruiting Squadron earned the title of top Air Force and Space Force recruiting squadron in fiscal year 2025, a first in the squadron's history. The 343rd RCS received the prestigious Air Force Recruiting Service Commander's Award of Excellence for its work in inspiring, engaging and recruiting the next generation of Airmen and Guardians. "In a recruiting environment often considered one of the toughest in the nation, we didn't just meet expectations, we shattered them,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Zachery Leonard, 343rd RCS commander. “We rose to the top because of the unwavering grit, determination, and sheer talent of our team.” The squadron, a geographically separated unit based at Offutt, covers a 37,000-square-mile area that includes Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and a small part of Wisconsin. The 343rd’s dramatic turnaround began in fiscal year 2023, a year in which all military branches except for the U.S. Space Force missed their recruiting goals by a combined total of approximately 41,000 recruits, according to the Department of War. These shortfalls reflected widespread recruiting challenges, including a smaller pool of eligible young people, stiff competition from the civilian job market, and evolving attitudes toward military service. Against this backdrop, the 343rd’s rise from near the bottom to the top of AFRS highlights the significance of its internal transformation and the rarity of such success across the force in fiscal year 2023. “We changed our recruit management strategy by building momentum and optimism to eliminate dead time within our process,” Leonard said. “We proved that unity of effort can overcome any obstacle, that even the underdog can achieve greatness.” The squadron's continued success has demonstrated that its transformation was not a one-time event but the establishment of a new standard, with every challenge seen as a chance to improve and each success building on the last. “The Air Force knows us as the Wolfpack, and this year, for the first time in AFRS history, we showed the entire force the power and ferocity of our collective hunt,” said Leonard. “We fixed what needed fixing, but we are never done growing. Our team is always looking for ways to improve and push ourselves further. This success is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuous development, ensuring that we remain the best in the business for future Airmen and Guardians.” To explore full and part-time opportunities within the Air Force and Space Force, visit www.AirForce.com or www.SpaceForce.com. To speak with a recruiter near you, click here.