Need career advice: career assistance advisor can help

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  It's a commonly known fact that less than 1 percent of the American population serves in the armed forces.

The reasons people have for joining the military include: education, travel, making a better life for themselves, serving their country and receiving the benefits the military has to offer. 

In some cases Airmen may reach a fork in the road and not know where to turn--and that is where the career assistance advisor can help.

A career assistance advisor provides classes assisting Airmen with benefits and entitlements, and advises separating enlisted personnel on Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard program opportunities.

"I assist Airmen around the base with career advice," said Senior Master Sgt. Cameron Smith, 341st Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "I also provide information on the benefits and programs the Air Force has to offer."

Airmen fresh out of technical school are enrolled into the First Term Airmen Class, which is a weeklong program that helps these young Airmen adjust to active duty military life.

"Each (Airman has different) goals they want to achieve," said Smith. "There is no one-size-fits-all career development path."

Finding a mentor who will not only encourage their Airmen, but also hold them accountable is important, said Smith.

"Airmen should seek out a mentor they aspire to be like," said Smith. "This person is important to have as a guide during their formative years in the Air Force."

One of the first steps Airmen must achieve to be successful in the Air Force is passing their career development courses.

According to Smith, once CDCs are completed, Airmen are able to start working on their education goals to include receiving their Community College of the Air Force degree.

"Get as much education and save as much money as possible," said Smith. "When Airmen get to the end of their first enlistment and decide to maybe separate, this will help them be competitive in the civilian sector. This also applies to those planning to make the Air Force a career."

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2110, "Assignments," 13 months before a first-term Airmen's date of separation, they are eligible to apply for a base of preference once they have an approved career job reservation.

"Airmen need to begin thinking strategically and long-term about their career," said Smith.

According to Smith, taking advantage of every opportunity provided through professional and personal development is a plus.

The new enlisted evaluation system focuses more on performance and day-to-day job, but every Airman must be well-rounded.

"(The Air Force) does not want professional students or professional volunteers," said Smith. "(They) want professional Airmen that can be counted on to do their job first, and volunteer and get an education second."
  
According to Smith, he provides information needed for Airmen to make good career decisions.

"We can't guarantee when we will get promoted," said Smith. "If we are doing the right things year in and year out, we can ensure our names will at least get put in the hat." 

Airmen can also apply for special duties, which can be found on the assignment management system under equal plus.

There are two ways to be considered for a special duty, the traditional way by applying through Virtual Military Personnel Flight or through the developmental special duty process.

"To apply for a special duty as a military training leader or instructor, Airman and Family Readiness Center NCO, first sergeant, honor guardsman, recruiter, professional military education or a career assistance advisor, a member must be nominated by their leadership," said Smith.

These DSD nominations take place in March and September. All other special duties can be applied for at any time as long as requirements are met. 

"Airmen need to start thinking about their career now in order to set themselves up for success later," said Smith.

According to AFI-36-2626, "Airman Retraining Program," a first-term Airman's retraining window opens up 13 months from their date of separation and closes five months from their date of separation.

"There is also an unofficial retraining window that opens up at an Airmen's halfway point," said Smith. "I highly recommend anyone who is considering applying to retrain to come and talk to me first, to better understand the process."

According to Smith, Airmen need to be engaged in their work centers.

"Enjoy the ride as a young Airman, and learn as much as you can," said Smith. "In a few years responsibility will hit, and you will be expected to be a supervisor along with all other duties that you are expected to perform day in and day out."