Brigadier General Craig McPike is the deputy commander of the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service. The Air Force Recruiting Service employs a total of 3,700 people, including pilots and civilians. During his more than thirty years in service, McPike developed himself into a leader whose impact has benefited many Americans as well as the country itself.
While many children had different dreams about what they wanted to be when they grew up, McPike knew very early on what he wanted to do.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be an Air Force pilot and wing commander. Those were goals I had from a very young age.”
To be the best for others and for themselves
Because you are in a branch of the The United States Armed Forces required you to be fit, strong, and to hold yourself to a high standard. Like many young Americans, McPike grew up playing football, basketball and baseball. Football was where he excelled, and he went on to play at the college level as a Texas A&M Aggie.
“Being fit and in shape has always been a big part of my life.”
During those formative years in college, McPike split time between his role as a student-athlete and a member of the Corps of Cadets. He also studied to become a civil engineer. In addition to PT with the Corps of Cadets and practice with the football team, McPike had to find ways to get in his own workouts, but some nights he managed to get to the weight room.
“I had to make it a priority in my life,” McPike said. He offers that advice to other college or high school students who want to get in better shape for service, sports or themselves. It’s not a matter of finding time, making time is a must.
“The bottom line is you have an obligation, and you have to keep that obligation to the team and to your corps outfit.”
Career highlights
Thanks to the commitments and standards he set for himself, McPike achieved his childhood dream and much more. Since enlisting in 1994, he has served in five different major commands. He has over 3,700 flight hours, inclusive
educational, test, tactical and combat missions. Some of those hours included involvement in Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force and Freedom’s Sentinel.
Due to his service and leadership, McPike has earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, among several others.
“I am very honored to have served 32 years and be able to remain within the standards of the Air Force. That was a major highlight in my mind.”
The commitment remains the same
Now in his mid-50s, McPike acknowledges that he may no longer be able to do what he was able to do during his college years, but he still pushes himself to stay in top shape, both for his career and for his life.
“Once I turned 45, I really had to watch what I eat and spend more time in the gym and on the track.”
That said, whether he’s taking more steps on the treadmill or eating smaller meals with his wife, Jennifer, McPike has found ways to make good on his commitment to excellence. One of those ways is cycling, which he recently started and enjoys very much.
“I noticed it caused less wear and tear on the body, but it takes a little more time on the bike to achieve the same results.”
If cycling is something you’re thinking about doing, McPike suggests finding a rhythm and doing your best to maintain it.
“If you downshift and pedal faster, especially when going up a hill, you will gain more endurance and be able to stay on the bike longer.”
Focusing on the next generation of pilots
McPike is now focused on his role as deputy commander of the AFRS, and he sees this not only as another opportunity to serve, but also as a way to thank and pay forward those who helped him.
“I get to use my story as an example and help others set their own goals and help them achieve them.”
Army recruitment has had its fair share of problems in recent years, but the pendulum has swung the other way and the Air Force has seen great success on this front. They met their 2025 hiring goals early and are on track to do the same for fiscal year 2026.
McPike gives a lot of the credit to effective marketing and the recruiters for their efforts and being where the prospective members are. This is despite being outnumbered by the other branches. McPike also recognizes that success for all branches goes directly to the affiliated branches.
“There’s a sense that people want to serve and put service before themselves. I’m very grateful for that.”
The Air Force Recruiting Service is responsible for recruiting members for the Air Force, Space Force, Air National Guard and Reserves. Their doors remain open so that more members can join their force.
“There are great advantages in the military, good pay, experience, training, you can learn how to be a leader and work with people,” he explained. “At the end of the day, you’ll have a great resume, good qualities and, if you choose to stay long enough, a retirement check.”
Prepare so you can stay prepared
If joining the Air Force is part of your future, or if you’re simply inspired by the military and want to get in better shape, now is the time to start. McPike suggests that being able to run a mile in at least 15 minutes and perform 50 push-ups and sit-ups in a minute is a solid starting point. McPike suggested making it part of your regular workouts, which will both improve training efficiency and serve as checkpoints for progress.
“I try to do PT tests every time I go to the gym,” he stated. “When I take the Air Force PT test, it’s just another workout.”
McPike is grateful to Jennifer and their five children for their support throughout his career and is hopeful that those who join him in the Air Force will be able to experience the same success as they continue the mission of service.
“It’s something you will be proud of. The achievements you will make will give you great leadership skills,” McPike said. “You give yourself a huge head start in life.”
For more information about participating in the Air Force or Space forcego to their respective websites.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.
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