Making the right choices

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zach Anderson
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  For a newly enlisted Airman, the first few months of service can be both exhilarating and baffling. 

From the initial explosion of frantic activity at basic training to the intense fast paced instruction of technical school to the challenges of in-processing with a new unit, it's quite easy for a young Airman to become somewhat overwhelmed by the entire experience. 

With all of this going on, it's vital for Airmen to have some help in making the most of the Air Force career.  That's where the role of the Career Assistance Advisor comes into play.
"Our primary goal is to assist our wing members in remaining in the Air Force Reserve by giving them whatever assistance is necessary to make an informed decision about their career," said Master Sgt. Mark Wilson, Wing Career Assistance Advisor for the 507th Air Refueling Wing. 

Wilson has been serving in the role of Wing Career Assistance Advisor for seven months. He said it is important that wing members maintain contact with their respective career assistance advisor.  "The career assistance advisor has the latest information on re-enlistment, extensions, cross training and bonuses," Wilson said. 

The service provided by the career assistance advisors is not just for new Airmen. Wilson said all enlisted members can benefit from the guidance of an advisor. In fact, he said many times Airmen are not aware of the benefits and opportunities available to
them. Once informed, he said Airmen are able to make better career decisions. 

"We advertise to ensure our Airmen are aware of their opportunities in the Air Force Reserve. Our career assistance advisors will sit down with them to discuss their options so that they make well informed decisions," Wilson said. 

Wilson said another goal of career assistance advisors is to retain members within the Air Force Reserve. He said he believes that as Airmen become better informed about their opportunities, they will be more willing to re-enlist and continue their Air Force careers.  "We are willing to give them information so they can make decisions that are right for their situation," Wilson said. "The career assistance advisors are here to help them make informed choices about their careers in the Air Force Reserve." 

Currently, Airmen seeking career assistance are encouraged to see their supervisor or first sergeant. In the future, Wilson said there will be a bulletin board in the Military Personnel Flight office on the second floor of building 1048 featuring pictures of the 507th wing and group career assistance advisors, as well as contact information for each.