Career advisors: offering Airmen options and understanding opportunities Published Nov. 1, 2013 By Senior Airman Zachary Hada 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Throughout their careers, many Airmen find themselves in a position where they must make tough decisions. Whether it is to re-enlist, cross train into another career field or apply for a special duty assignment, career advisors stand at the ready to help Airmen understand their options and to help them make informed decisions. Master Sgt. Nancy Schrecengost, 28th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, said she helps guide Airmen through their decision-making process, that way, if they choose to stay, they can continue to be a valuable asset in a field of their choice. "Some Airmen go through basic training and end up in a job they didn't pick," Schrecengost said. "Eventually, some of them want to separate because they aren't necessarily compatible with that job. It's a shame to see people go that would have otherwise stayed if they knew about cross-training opportunities." Career advisors are also responsible for conducting First Term Airman Center, NCO and SNCO professional enhancement seminars, informed decision briefing and one-on-one counseling sessions. In some cases, Airmen are required to coordinate with an expert in the career field they want to re-train into, so it can be determined if they have the skills necessary to apply for that job. In those cases, Schrecengost helps connect Airmen with those subject matter experts. Schrecengost explained that on average, she meets with about 50 Airmen a month for one-on-one counseling sessions. Senior Airman Robert Greene, 28th Munitions Squadron armament technician, is one of the Airmen she recently assisted with cross training. Greene said the reason he wanted to retrain was to experience new challenges, see what else the Air Force has to offer and to develop new skills to fall back on when he retires or separates from the military. "Our career advisor sat down and discussed my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores with me and explained all the things I needed to do in order to apply for the jobs I was interested in," Greene said. Greene added that career advisors make the decision-making process easy and that he might not have stayed in the Air Force if not for Schrecengost's assistance. "Without her help, I wouldn't have known exactly what to do," Greene emphasized. "She was there every step of the way." For more information or to set up an appointment with Schrecengost, call (605) 385-2367.