Career Assistance Advisor offers advice, options to Eglin Airmen Published May 29, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Mike Meares Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- At some point in every Airman's career, they find themselves asking the question, "should I stay or should I go?" The question of staying in or getting out of the Air Force is a question best left to the individual. However, through a true open door policy, Airmen have a way of getting information about options for their careers through the Career Assistance Advisor. The CAA's job is to help Airmen formulate an educated answer to that question, as well as many other career related questions. They lay out the options Airmen have in the Air Force and in the civil sector by arming them with the necessary information. "I compare military benefits to their average civilian counterparts," said Master Sgt. Shauna Bauer, Eglin career assistance advisor. "Together, we talk about the options they have and work to make the right decision together." Staff Sgt. Allen Marr, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-15 avionics technician, walked into Sergeant Bauer's office with some looming career questions. His enlistment was ending and his option to retrain fell through. He was looking for a hint of light at the end of a very dark career tunnel - hoping any light he finds is not a train coming to hit him. "I like the Air Force, but I don't necessarily like my job," he said. "The economy has taken a dump and I don't want to get out." After a detailed conversation, Sergeant Bauer laid out some of the choices the staff sergeant faces in the coming months regarding retraining, reenlistment and even other services options, from the Army to the guard and reserve or special duty assignments. Sergeant Bauer offered some advice to Sergeant Marr that can be offered to anyone in his position. "Don't lose faith because your retraining has been denied," she said. "I want to help you make the right decision." The CAA is not a recruiter. Their job is to not try and scare, but to offer a dose of reality. "I understand the Air Force is not for everyone, but I do try and paint a picture of what it's like on the outside," she said. Beyond Eglin's 6,000 enlisted Airmen's career decisions, the CAA also advises the wing commanders, chief master sergeants and other leadership on retention rates and efforts and force-shaping concerns. Through their responsibilities, they conduct career counseling seminars on military benefits, supervisor responsibilities and career progression. It's mandatory for first and second term Airmen to visit the career assistance advisor to explore the options open for them through a Right Decision and a Career Decision briefings. "Airmen don't have it as bad as some of them think they do," Sergeant Bauer said. With an open door policy, Sergeant Bauer is ready to answer any question Airmen may have about their careers help Airmen make the right decision.