Mudhen,
The job fair is a must. And it may take more than one. Do people get hired here without it, sure, but they are the exception and not the rule. There are a TON of well qualified guys from both Mil and Civ backgrounds trying to get the call for an interview. The way you set your self apart from the pack is by making a personal connection with one of the HR folks and that happens at the job fair. I have recommended 3 buddies for jobs here and all 3 got called, but only after they attended job fairs. Pretty small investment for a really big payoff. The recommendations are great, but honestly most people have LORs so that does really set you apart as much as you might think. Job Fair Job Fair Job Fair...Go early go often!