Brigadier Basic Craig McPike is the Deputy Commander of the US Air Power Recruiting Service. The Air Power Recruiting Service consists of 3,700 whole folks, together with Airmen and civilians. All through his three a long time plus of service, McPike has established himself as a pacesetter whose affect has benefited many Individuals in addition to the nation itself.
Whereas many children had a number of goals of what they needed to be after they grew up, McPike knew very early on what he needed to do.
“Rising up, I at all times needed to be an Air Power pilot and a Wing Commander. These have been objectives I had from a really early age.”
Being His Finest for Others and Self
Being in any department of the United States Armed Forces required being match, sturdy, and holding your self to a excessive customary. Like many younger Individuals, McPike grew up enjoying soccer, basketball, and baseball. Soccer was the place he excelled, and he went on to play on the school stage as a Texas A&M Aggie.
“Being match and in form was at all times an enormous a part of my life.”
Throughout these adolescence in school, McPike break up time between his roles as student-athlete and a member of the Corps of Cadets. He was additionally finding out to grow to be a civil engineer. Apart from PT with the Corps of Cadets and apply with the soccer crew, McPike needed to discover methods to get his personal exercises in, however he managed to hit the burden room on some evenings.
“I needed to make it a precedence in my life,” McPike mentioned. He provides that recommendation to different school or highschool of us that want to get in higher form for service, sport, or self. It isn’t a matter of discovering time, making the time is a should.
“The underside line is you’ve got a dedication, and you must follow that dedication for the crew and to your Corps outfit.”
Profession Highlights
Because of his commitments and requirements he positioned on himself, McPike realized his childhood dream after which some. Since getting into service in 1994, he has held assignments at 5 totally different main instructions. He has over 3,700 flying hours that features
academic, testing, tactical, and fight missions. A few of these hours embody being concerned in operations Southern Watch, Allied Power, and Freedom’s Sentinel.
Because of his service and management, McPike has earned quite a few awards all through his profession, together with the Protection Superior Service Medal, Legion of Benefit with oak leaf cluster, and the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, amongst a number of others.
“I’m very honored to have served 32 years and be capable to keep throughout the Air Power requirements. That has been a significant spotlight in my thoughts.”
The Dedication Stays the Identical
Now that he’s in his mid-50s, McPike acknowledges that he could not be capable to do what he might do again in his school years, however he nonetheless pushes himself to remain in nice form each for his profession and life.
“As soon as I hit 45, I actually had to concentrate to what I eat and spend extra time within the health club and on the observe.”
That mentioned, whether or not he’s placing extra steps in on the treadmill or having smaller meals along with his spouse, Jennifer, McPike has discovered methods to honor his self-commitment to excellence. One such means is by biking, which he just lately began doing and is admittedly having fun with.
“I discovered it to be much less put on and tear on the physique, but it surely requires just a little extra time on the bike to get the identical outcomes.”
If biking is one thing you’ll take into consideration doing, then McPike suggests discovering a rhythm and doing all of your greatest to take care of it.
“When you shift down and pedal quicker, particularly whereas going up a hill, it offers you extra endurance, and you may keep on the bike longer.”
Focusing On The Subsequent Era of Airmen
McPike is now targeted on his position as AFRS Deputy Commander, and he sees this as not solely one other alternative to serve however as a solution to thank those who helped him in addition to pay it ahead.
“I get to make use of my story for instance and to assist others set their very own objectives and assist them obtain it.”
Recruitment for the army had seen its fair proportion of struggles in recent times, however the pendulum has swung the opposite means, and the Air Power has seen nice success on this entrance. They met their 2025 recruitment objectives early and are effectively on their solution to do the identical for fiscal 12 months 2026.
McPike offers a big portion of the credit score to efficient advertising and marketing and the recruiters for his or her efforts and being the place the longer term members are. That is regardless of being outnumbered by the opposite branches. McPike additionally acknowledges that the success for all branches goes instantly to people who are becoming a member of.
“There’s a way of individuals desirous to serve and placing service earlier than self. I’m very grateful for that.”
The Air Power Recruiting Service is liable for recruiting members for the Air Power, Area Power, Air Nationwide Guard, and Reserves. Their doorways stay open for extra members to be part of their drive.
“There are nice advantages within the army, nice pay, expertise, schooling, you may learn to be a pacesetter and work with folks,” he defined. “In the long run, you’ve got an excellent resume, attributes, and if you happen to select to remain lengthy sufficient, a retirement examine.”
Get Prepared So You Can Keep Prepared
If becoming a member of the Air Power is part of your future, or if you’re merely impressed by the army and need to get in higher form, then the time to begin is now. McPike means that having the ability to run a mile and a half at the very least in not more than quarter-hour and having the ability to carry out 50 pushups and sit-ups in a minute every is a stable place to begin. McPike recommended making it part of your common exercises will assist each with coaching effectivity and function checkpoints for progress.
“I attempt to do PT checks each time I’m going to the health club,” he acknowledged. “After I take the Air Power PT check, then it is rather like one other exercise.”
McPike is grateful for Jennifer and their 5 kids for supporting him all through his profession and is hopeful that those who do be a part of him within the Air Power will be capable to expertise comparable success whereas carrying the mission of service ahead.
“It’s one thing you’ll be pleased with your self for. The accomplishments you’ll make will give your self nice management abilities,” McPike mentioned. ”You’ll give your self an enormous head begin in life.”
To study extra about becoming a member of the Air Power or Area Power, go to their respective web sites.
M&F Senior Navy Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.