ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Every Airman has to eventually make the choose whether to continue their military career or to finish up the enlistment. There are several paths that an Airman can take with their career and a Career Assistance Advisor’s (CAA) sole purpose is to aid with their choice.
A CAA is a Developmental Special Duty (DSD) that lasts for three years. They assist Airmen by showcasing options on career decisions in and out of the military, assist with career and personnel development, management and shaping initiatives for Airmen, and instruct and manage the First Term Airmen Center (FTAC).
“I would have to say that this job is the best job in the Air Force because my sole job is to help Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Edward Abell, the previous CAA assigned to the 97th Force Support Squadron. “People often make permanent choices on temporary problems. A CAA goes in depth on unforeseen circumstances that will happen on an Airman’s career path.”
Some things a CAA can assist with is higher education, transitioning to guard or reserve, cross training, career progression, duty assignments and even veteran’s benefits.
“Part of my training was meeting the personnel who are in charge of a lot of Air Force programs,” said Abell. “So as a CAA I can have that face to name relationship with people who have the answers to everything that would help an Airman with their career.”
Before Abell’s time as the CAA, he was stationed here for two years.
“I was originally the training manager for the civil engineering squadron, then the whole base before I was the CAA,” said Abell. “These five years at Altus I won’t forget, the great people were everything at this base. At first I was surprised I was getting stationed here and now I’m sad to leave it because it is more than a wing and it was like a family.”
Abell and his family are continuing their Air Force career at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The new CAA is Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ellis, the current CAA assigned to the 97th FSS.
Like other DSD positions, to apply to be the CAA, one must be nominated for the position. The position will be filled locally and candidates must be E-7 or above. Once selected, the new CAA will receive training at Randolph AFB, Texas. They will be trained on all career development and advancement courses as well as the curriculum for FTAC.
“I look forward to the work I get to do with this job because I agree that this is the best job in the Air Force,” said Ellis. “It was a great two weeks of learning the ropes on how to assist the Airmen at Altus. I’ve been in Altus for a while so I’m confident with my ability to help develop Airmen.”
To get in contact with Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ellis, just email him at clinton.ellis@us.af.mil or call him at 580-481-6649.
“Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions with your career because I can help you get answers,” said Ellis.