Duo looks at Airmen's futures

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Behind the Scenes is a recurring series featuring Airmen in units that have big impact, but low visibility.

The Career Assistance Advisor is assigned to the 60th Force Support Squadron under the Professional Development Section, Force Development Flight, but the support she provides is not limited to the 60th Air Mobility Wing or surrounding Travis Air Force Base area.

"My area of responsibility spans from north of Vandenberg Air Force Base to just south of Beale Air Force Base," said Senior Master Sgt. Hope Skibitsky, 60th FSS Career Assistance Advisor. "I assist all Airmen here and over 120 Globally Separated Units as well."

The CAA position is one of 10 Developmental Special Duties, which can only be applied for with the recommendation by the applicant's unit commander, be in the grade of E-7 with at least one year time in grade or E-8 and completed SNCO Academy to name a few of the assignment qualifications.

"The main goal of my position is to be an extension of the force support squadron and inform Airmen of their career and the options they have," she said. "I provide information on retraining (when and how), Career Job Reservations, NCORP, Palace Chase, assignment process, Base of Preference, professional enhancement, enlisted benefits and much more."

Aside from providing information to seasoned Airmen, Skibitsky is joined by Staff Sgt. Charles Wilson, 60th FSS First Term Airman Center team leader. Together they lead and oversee new Airmen throughout the FTAC course.

"My responsibilities are to ensure that the FTAC program runs seamlessly and assist the Career Assistance Advisor," said Wilson. "During FTAC the goal is to give our new Airmen a fluid transition from training to mission oriented perspective."

The FTAC program has an average of 650 Airmen graduate yearly.

Even with a full work load on their shoulders, Skibitsky and Wilson make time to accommodate Airmen who seek help.

"I am here to assist Airmen with my knowledge and if I do not know something, then I can find the subject matter expert who does know," Skibitsky said. "Overall, I am here to help Airmen, regardless of rank, so they can understand their career."

For more information from the CAA call 424-7829.