AFMC Command News

  • Guidance, support play role in mentoring dynamics

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- I have had several mentors during various stages of my career, and because of my own experiences I know it is important to have a mentor and to be a mentor. The purpose of a mentor is not to tell someone what to do or how to do it, but to provide a supportive

  • Mentoring: A mentality, not a meeting

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- We tend to think of the formal mentoring session as that special, dedicated time where all the secrets to professional success and development are unlocked. We come to the mentoring meeting well-prepared with questions in hand and pen and paper at the ready

  • Mentoring: Making a difference

    When I was a student at National War College, I had the privilege to lead a group of 30 senior leaders to mentor youth weekly at an elementary school in downtown Washington, D.C. It was a great experience as we tackled math, science, and reading. However, what was more significant was the mentoring

  • The mentors around us

    It is truly an honor to serve the Airmen of Air Force Materiel Command as your command chief. Every day I witness incredible things that our Airmen are doing for our command, our Air Force, and our nation. As I travel and engage with our Airmen, mentorship is a topic that often comes up. It’s a

  • Combat planning and mentoring? Really!

    Outside, the temperature was hovering around 100 degrees and the concrete scintillated under the noon sun. Inside the state-of-the-art hardened aircraft shelters, maintainers steadfastly ensured the aircraft was clear of all discrepancies from the previous day’s combat. Across the flight line, bombs

  • The guiding principles of mentorship

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As a senior leader, I am routinely asked to “mentor” acquisition professionals, and I am always honored to provide advice and “pay it forward.” Below are some guiding principles I use when mentoring others. These guidelines are for folks who are mentoring

  • Viewpoints: Mentors can help shape career outlook, resiliency

    My mom was the first woman to go to college in the family, and I’m fortunate enough to be the first generation able to set a course for my career, rather than having the course set by the circumstances. It can be a little challenging, not having family members to ask for career-specific guidance.

  • Viewpoints: All because of my mentors

    The words, ‘U.S. Air Force’ are sewn into my jacket that I wear every day, because of my mentors. Each stage of life requires role models to help you along the way, and it is no different in the professional world. In 8th grade, I went to Colorado on a family vacation, and my parents took me to see

  • Viewpoints: Mentors can come by way of networks, shared advice

    The importance of having a good mentor cannot be understated. Every career development plan tells you to find a mentor to help you grow. But oftentimes, when we talk about mentoring, it seems like we picture having one mentor who is senior to show you the ropes.