USAF Sets Maiden TV Flight

Falling short of its recruitment goals for the first time in 20 years, the United States Air Force is planning to triple its annual advertising budget to $60 million-plus and support its first paid national television campaign.
The initial thrust of the television campaign, via BJK&E in Irving, Texas, will be next month’s placement of nearly 30 network spots during CBS’ telecast of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
The Air Force will utilize its current PSAs during the spring, but a series of new television commercials will be developed for a $30 million fall campaign starting in October, according to BJK&E senior partner Tom O’Connor.
“A big part of it is the challenge we’re facing right now,” said Maj.