CAA aids in career decision making

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  While serving in the Air Force, Airmen may encounter several career altering decisions, but there is no need to face them alone.

A career assistance advisor informs commanders and supervisors of retention issues, assists in career counseling, and helps Airmen on career progression and planning.

Master Sgt. Johnny Crenshaw, 28th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, works with Airmen and supervisors across the base providing counsel on items including retraining and assignment issues.

"I enjoy talking with all the Airmen that come to my office," Crenshaw said, "Whether it is to ask general questions about retraining or they might have just completed FTAC and are ready to retrain."

Crenshaw said that when Airmen approach their retraining window, they contact him to learn about the process.

"All of the CAAs across the Air Force are working together to accomplish our mission," he said. "We are all trying to identify trends, arming leadership with better ideas of how to keep Airmen serving as well as helping the Air Force utilize Airmen in the most efficient way."

SrA Darius Coleman, 37th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron jet propulsion technician, has served in the Air Force for almost six years and recently paid a visit to Crenshaw to inquire about retraining.

"I came in to the Air Force wanting a computer related job, but I was unable to get one," Coleman explained. "Sergeant Crenshaw was able to inform me of several things I needed to do in order to retrain."

Coleman said Crenshaw provided him with an opportunity to speak with Airmen in different career fields that peaked his interest as a way of understanding what to expect.

"My goal is to make sure I can keep everyone as informed as possible," Crenshaw said. "I really hope that when Airmen leave my office they are more aware of what is going on and where they can find answers."

Crenshaw noted that when Airmen come to his office for retraining information, he provides explanations of the process and gives them specific details that apply to their unique situation.

"We spoke on the requirements for the job and retraining," Coleman said. "He didn't guarantee that I would be able to retrain, but he explained several things I would need to do, including how to apply and tests I would need to take to get the job I wanted."

Coleman is scheduled to retrain into cyber defense operations and attend technical school at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., in April.

"Helping these Airmen provides a sense of satisfaction when all the planning becomes a reality," Crenshaw said. "When an Airman I have worked with gets to move in a direction that they desired, I feel like I have done my job and what I can to help that Airman."