JANUARY 7, 2022 – The Air Force and Space Force observe January as National Mentoring Month. It’s a time to focus Airmen and Guardians on investing in the mentoring movement — as either mentor or mentee.
Mentorship is a type of professional relationship in which a person with greater experience and wisdom guides another person to develop both personally and professionally. This relationship helps achieve mission success and motivates Airmen to achieve their goals.
The Department of the Air Force mentoring theme for 2022 is “Everyone Wins with Mentoring.” To demonstrate victories and share the importance of mentoring, the services will hold multiple virtual events throughout the month, designed to foster and promote a Total Force mentoring culture. Airmen and Guardians are encouraged to participate in these events as well as local mentoring events. Virtual events include:
- Jan. 12 – Diversity Talks: Senior Leader Mentoring Panel
- Jan. 18 – Mentoring panel for mid-tier ranks and grades
- Jan. 20 – Mentoring panel for junior-tier ranks and grades
- Jan. 25 – Mentor-centric mentoring workshop
- Jan. 27 – Mentee-centric mentoring workshop
More information about the events is available on MilSuite.
Additionally, during National Mentoring Month, the Air Force and Space Force remind Airmen and Guardians about the MyVECTOR mentoring module capabilities. Everyone is encouraged to create and or update their profiles in the MyVECTOR mentoring module. A recorded MyVECTOR demonstration is available on the Mentoring Resources page.
According to Air Force Handbook 36-2643 “Air Force Mentoring Program,” a mentor is, “a wise, trusted, and experienced individual who shares knowledge, experience, and advice with a less-experienced person.”
Mentoring is an essential ingredient in developing well-rounded, professional and competent future leaders. The overall goal of mentoring is to help Airmen – civilian, enlisted and officer – maximize their full potential. Mentors should focus on mentee development, with a goal of giving mentees the ability to manage their own development and learning.
The handbook continues, “Mentoring is an enterprise mission imperative. Leaders at all levels should be committed to building a culture of mentoring and increasing deliberate mentoring for all Airmen and Guardians.”
For more information, visit the National Mentoring Month website.
By John Cochran
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs