The Air Force says that, despite rumors to the contrary, the service is still hiring. Next year’s recruiting goals have been reduced by nine percent in comparison to the numbers sought in 2006. Nevertheless, “The Air Force is still hiring a mix of people in all of its career fields,” said Chief Master Sgt. Edward Vargas, Air Force Recruiting Service Operations Division superintendent. The service is seeking 27,760 high school graduates or the equivalent, ages 17-28, to join its enlisted ranks from October to September 2007. The Air Force also is looking for 482 college graduates to join its officer corps. The most available positions are pilot, combat systems officer (navigator), air battle management and electrical engineering. After all 482 Officer Training School positions are filled, additional applications will move out to fill the following year’s jobs. For more information about Air Force careers, visit www.airforce.com.