ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
Beginning this fall, the Air Force’s 92 enlisted Career Assistance Advisors will be converted to Airmen Development Advisors, complete with a new corresponding Air Force specialty code and bolstered foundational support.
The change is designed to align the broad spectrum of CAA responsibilities with deliberate development of the enlisted force, as recently outlined in the Enlisted Force Development Action Plan.
The portfolio of daily CAA responsibilities includes guiding Airmen in making informed decisions about their military careers, such as career path counseling, reenlistments, retraining, and specialty job opportunities. They also advise commanders and supervisors on enlisted force management and professional development opportunities and manage the administration of key training programs such as the First Term Airmen Course.
Though these roles and responsibilities will not be altered as a result of the transition from CAA to ADA, the new AFSC will make ADAs part of the professional military education instructor community. This will align them with Air Education and Training Command’s Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, allowing for a more cohesive level of baseline professional support.
“Right now, CAAs perform their duties without any formal training, standardized resources or instruction on how to build curriculum,” said Senior Master Sgt. Wes Lawrence, CAA special duty manager. “The change reinforces the importance of what Airmen Development Advisors will execute in their daily mission. We must provide tailored, professional resources and support that will benefit all Airmen.”
The transition exemplifies the “Force Development Ecosystem” focus area of the Enlisted Force Development Action Plan, which calls for building greater connections between initial skills, technical and on-the-job training, education and experiences.
“Connecting Airmen Development Advisors with the professional military education community makes sense as we strive for more deliberate development of tomorrow’s enlisted force,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass.
ADAs will continue to support all mission partners, to include: active duty, Guard, and Reserve Airmen; Guardians and civilians. The change will be official once the Air Force Enlisted Classification document is published, which is scheduled for Oct. 31.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs