Keesler receives new career assistance advisor

Published July 11, 2012
By Senior Airman Heather Heiney
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Career assistance advisors are like roadmaps to an Air Force career, they can't make the journey for you, but they can help guide you along the path to your career goals and find the necessary stops along the way.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Pitts, Keesler's new CAA, has spent much of his career preparing for the job. Pitts said that he has enjoyed giving back to the enlisted force since early in his career and spent 14 years as a military training leader and professional military education instructor.

"Sergeant Pitts has a diverse background that has involved molding and developing Airmen on basic and advanced levels. He has stepped outside his career field and comfort zone seeking challenge, and has helped others do the same for much of his career," Senior Master Sgt. Steven Mullens, Keesler's outgoing CAA said. "He already has firsthand experience on how many of the personnel programs affecting Airmen work -- he really has the perfect background and attitude to be an outstanding career assistance advisor."

To be a CAA, one must volunteer for a three-year tour; be recommended by his or her commander; be a master sergeant with at least one year time in grade or a senior master sergeant with a minimum 7 skill-level; have counseling and briefing skills; completed the Senior NCO Academy; pass the fitness test; excel in appearance, military bearing and conduct; complete a Community College of Air Force degree; and have an overall enlisted performance report rating of 5 on last three enlisted performance reports.

Some CAA responsibilities include advising commanders and supervisors on retention issues; creating learning opportunities including seminars, NCO professional enhancement, senior NCO professional enhancement and First Term Airmen Center programs; overseeing informed decision briefings; helping, determining addressing local factors that might negatively influence career decisions and assisting supervisors in counseling enlisted personnel on their options.

"I would like to continue the Keesler tradition of deliberately developing Airmen by providing current information on leadership and personnel programs," Pitts said.

CAAs can't just provide information -- they also must motivate Airmen to take action on that information.

"Airmen must educate themselves to make timely moves in their career. Our Air Force provides an avalanche of opportunities; I want to show Airmen how to successfully navigate available options so they can control their own career," Pitts said. "Do not be afraid to grow out of your comfort zone. Overcoming challenges can be more rewarding than specific achievements or awards."

Pitts also said that he's had the opportunity to learn more about career opportunities provided by the Air Force because 2nd Air Force leadership allowed him to shadow shortly after he was selected for the position and that he will be a facilitator for NCOs so they can then in turn share it with their subordinates.

"Sergeant Mullens has done an outstanding job with the 81 TRW program. I am excited to carry the torch a little farther down the road," Pitts said.

"The past few weeks of turnover has afforded us the opportunity to jointly interact, introduce Sergeant Pitts to those who help us keep this award-winning Team Keesler program running strong and ensure a seamless transition." Mullens said. "He's going to be a great CAA and do a fantastic job for the 81st Training Wing. It truly is the best job in the Air Force and I'm going to miss it, as well all the Team Keesler members who suppor