Moose,
Having just done a on-line rec for a buddy I thought I would take a stab at answering your question. The on-line rec lives on the Airups'ers web site. Any pilot type can put in a rec, even a hew hire like myself. There are many questions to answer. So my advice would be to supply a list of bullets to your buddy so it can help him fill it out; also send your resume. Include things like when you flew together, deployed together, you know that kinda stuff.

The way I understand it every rec, just like the application process itself, is given a point value and enough points equals a call for an interview; hence the more, the better.

Now here is the million dollar question: What if I don't know anyone at the company? You don't have to know anyone to get a call for an interview, it helps don't get me wrong but its not necessary. I got called for and interview and was hired without a rec. I hope the info helps. Good luck to you and others like you out there.