Prepare to retrain

Published June 21, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Typically, members who join the military sign up for a career that they are interested in or are placed in a job that fits their service's needs. In either situation, an Airman may not feel like their current career suits them, so they are given the option to retrain into a different specialty.

For Airmen who want to try something new and are looking to retrain into a different career field, it can be challenging to determine where to begin the process.

"I encourage speaking with your supervisor and getting them involved with the process of what you are trying to do," said Master Sgt. LaTasha Carroway, 4th Fighter Wing career assistance advisor. "MyPers, formally known as the Air Force Personnel Service website, is an excellent place to begin searching for answers to frequently asked questions."

The career assistance advisor handles everything from developing and implementing local programs that encourage enlisted professional development and retention, along with assisting supervisors and commanders in providing career and benefits counseling to Airmen. However, Carroway states, that 99 percent of her time is spent assisting Airmen with retraining applications.

Carroway holds a monthly briefing for Airmen interested in retraining.

"Although retraining is a re-enlistment incentive for first-term Airmen, there are things they must be aware of prior to applying," Carroway said. "First, enlisted performance reports play a huge role and Airmen must be patient, retraining is a two-step process that can take up to six months. Also, all Airmen and NCOs must remember the needs of the Air Force come first so selecting up to five jobs is recommended."

Depending on an Airman's initial enlistment the retraining window can vary. According to the Air Force Instruction 36-2626, the retraining windows for four-year enlistees is from the 35th to 43rd month of their enlistment, while six-year enlistees' window is from the 59th to 67th month.

"The retraining brief held was helpful in determining what other career opportunities existed in the Air Force, as well as put me in the right direction for applying for the new job I want," said Senior Airman Kyle Karr, 4th Operation Support Squadron air traffic controller. "Master Sgt. Carroway was a great help in telling me the options I have with different career fields I'm interested in and informed me of possible restrictions some career fields may have."

Attending the briefing is just the first step in the retraining process. Airmen need to have copies of their EPRs and armed services vocational aptitude battery test scores ready along with letters of recommendations from supervisors and other Airmen, said Carroway. These items will make someone stand out in a competitive environment.

"If you or your Airmen are interested in retraining, it is advised that you apply as a first term Airman," Carroway explained. "If you are a second term or career Airmen, don't get discouraged. Be patient, get educated and be ready to apply during your window of opportunity."

For more information or to sign up for the next retraining briefing, email or call the career assistance advisor at 919-722-5857.