Osan hosts first-of-many Speed Mentoring Groups

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kelsea J. Caballero
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Osan Chief’s Group hosted a speed mentoring event at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea on June 6, 2023, which allowed experienced senior leaders a chance to mentor junior-ranking Airmen on a wide range of topics to impart wisdom in a rapid-fire format.

“We have a lot of great mentors here at Osan,” said Tech. Sgt. KC Ratekin, 51st Maintenance Group resource advisor. “It gives them a chance to reach out to vast and varied groups of people quickly. Some folks might even make a connection and get that mentee-mentor relationship established outside of this environment.”

Sixty-five attendees participated in the event and engaged in eight-minute conversations allowing both mentors and mentees an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and build relationships with other Airmen in different fields.

Each group was assigned three mentors including a chief master sergeant, a first sergeant and an officer - O-3 and above to mentor junior-ranking Airmen. This gave mentees the opportunity to ask senior leaders personal and professional questions while giving mentors an opportunity to provide insight backed by valuable experience.

“I paid close attention to what was being conveyed from mentors and participants,” said Master Sgt. Adrian Parker, 51st Communications Squadron first sergeant. “It helps explore the diversity of thinking from all the different tiers and introduces perspectives that I can add to my own tool box.”

Speed mentoring events will be held every other month to build upon established mentor relationships and to introduce more Airmen to mentorship opportunities, develop critical skills and gain practical feedback from other participants.