Career options are available

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian Fischer
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Career Assistance Advisor
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Sometimes the job assigned to an Airman just doesn't turn out to be what they expected; or, if an Airman entered the Air Force "open general", chances are they didn't get the job they hoped they would get. When this occurs, Airmen often seek a career change and believe getting out of the Air Force is their only option for a new start. This is not the case and it is important for Airmen to know the opportunities that are out there for a new job.

Career Assistance Advisors are available to help Airmen with their Air Force job search. As the new Career Assistance Advisor for Columbus AFB, I am eager and ready to help you with any career decisions you may have. The focal point of my job is to point Airmen in the right direction. That direction could be cross-training, a special duty assignment, a commissioning opportunity or even separation. It is important to know that options are out there and this is where I can help.

Whatever your situation, you don't have to go it alone. All Airmen should be armed with knowing their options and the timelines, polices and paperwork necessary in the hunt for their career choices. Often times, there's more to it than simply clicking the button to apply for an assignment, retraining or special duty. Aside from any unforeseen circumstances, there are two critical career points for First Term Airmen, the first being halfway through your enlistment term and the second is a window of time between the 35th - 43rd months for a 4-year enlistee or 59th - 67th months for a 6-year enlistee. Second Term and Career Airmen also have choices that become available based upon rank, time on station and/or other factors.

Take advantage of the services the Career Assistance Advisor can provide you with during your job search. I am just a phone call away to set up a career counseling session or to explain the options available for a career change. I can be reached at 434-7004.