EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Junior enlisted members from the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron received a crash course in professional development from the drivers themselves at a speed-mentoring event here June 24. Similar to the speed-dating concept, senior enlisted mentors from the Eglin and Hurlburt Field Top 3 provided seven-minute, one-on-one sessions to 15 staff and technical sergeants from the unit. When each segment was up, mentors rotated out, giving junior Airmen an opportunity to interface with every mentor in the room.
“The purpose of this is for our junior enlisted folks to get the senior enlisted perspective on professional development,” said Chief Master Sgt. Russell Robinson, 96th LRS chief enlisted manager. “This kind of mentoring opens the door and gets everyone communicating in an informal, yet professional environment.”
The forum isn’t new to the chief, who hosted speed-mentoring sessions nearly a dozen times before. The idea came from his assignment in Europe, where he noticed a communication gap between junior members and senior leaders within the organization.
Robinson brought the idea of developing a Professional Development Council to his leadership, and from there, interest skyrocketed. He enlisted the aid of six individuals comprised of enlisted, officer and civilian members to draft a charter focused on mentorship, training, and personal and professional growth.
Since the council’s inception in February, its 25-plus members have provided nearly 60 hours of professional development to more than 420 participants. When word spread about the council’s latest mentoring function, Airmen jumped at the opportunity.
“I’m here to get the guidance of my superiors on what I need to do to get to where they’re at,” said Staff Sgt. Adrian Cortez, 96th LRS vehicle maintenance flight.
The 28 year-old husband and father of two looks to expand his professional development while working on his bachelor’s degree as a prospective dental hygienist.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know I want to give myself options to grow and change as my career moves forward,” he said. “The one consistent message I’m taking with me is to not let things get in the away of my goals.”
According to Robinson, the forum is a learning opportunity not only for the junior Airmen, but for the mentors as well.
“It’s interesting to hear what they think, whether it’s about professional military education, promotions or involvement in different activities,” he said. “It gives us, as mentors, a unique prospective of how younger generations solve problems.”
Robinson acknowledges speed-mentoring is a fast and furious but highly beneficial process allowing junior Airman to ask and learn as much about professional development as possible in a short time span.
“Take notes, figure out what you like and don’t like, put that in your toolbox and use those tools to help yourself become a better leader and mentor,” he said.