Mentorship and training
The purpose of force development is to educate, train, and build experience in our innovative Airmen across the command. Mentoring is one of the pillars for developing exceptional leaders to lead the world’s most powerful teams and is a key to career progression, networking, and educational advancement. The Air Force Mentoring Program emphasizes the critical phases of effective mentoring. The manual also explains different relationship types, how to develop a mentoring plan and discussion topics, and provides mentor/mentee checklists. Mentors and mentees should understand the specific guidelines for mentoring, be fully engaged, and be actively involved in planning for mentoring sessions. Mentors and mentees should develop mutual respect, maintain trust and honest communication, and establish a collaborative partnership.
Why is mentoring important?
- Mentoring is transformational and facilitates the development of Airmen by sharing expertise, values, competencies, perspectives, and attitudes.
- It has the power to unlock the innovative potential that resides in all Airmen.
- It is a unique and satisfying experience for the mentor to be able to help a mentee achieve their goals.
- Mentoring is an essential ingredient in developing well-rounded and competent leaders because it helps prepare them for increased responsibilities.
Force Development
Deliberate development ensures the Air Force has the uniformed and civilian Airmen it needs for a highly contested future. Lifelong education and training are critical in preparing Airmen to meet emerging challenges. We operate in an unpredictable landscape which requires flexibility and responsiveness in its developmental education processes. The Air Force’s Personnel Center is focused on making the right adaptations to its processes to ensure it is enabling simple, transparent, and agile systems that are responsive to the Air Force’s and Airmen’s needs. Airmen remain our competitive advantage, and we need each Airman to reach their full potential.
Civilian Developmental Opportunities
Civilian Force Development ensures the Air Force has the right people in the right job at the right time and provides education and leadership opportunities that will prepare Air Force civilians to successfully meet challenges across the wide range of operations and missions. Air Force Civilian Force Development offers more than 25 programs to help civilians develop leadership skills and expand their overall knowledge. They include the Civilian Associate Degree Program, Squadron Officer School, Education with Industry, Air Command and Staff College (in residence or the online master’s program), Air Force Legislative Fellows Program, Air War College (in residence), National War College, the Defense Senior Leader Development Program and more. There are many sources of education, training, and professional development that can be considered after a new employee’s two year probationary period. Please visit myPers (CAC enabled); click the Force Development link from the civilian employee landing page, or select the civilian employee category from the dropdown menu and search Force Development.
MyVECTOR
MyVECTOR is a web-based mentoring network with resources that allow mentees to manage their career development with the input and guidance from a mentor. The platform supports individual Airmen, career field managers, and development teams.