News>New career assistance adviser brings savvy, passion to job
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LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Master Sgt. Shokia Turner, Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency career assistance adviser, brings 17 years of field experience to her new post. She oversees a career assistance program for about 13,600 Airmen throughout the agancy. (U.S. Air Force photo by William Belcher)
New Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency Career Assistance Advisor, Master Sgt. Shokia Turner, discusses leadership roles with attendees during the Professional Development Day event, Feb. 23, in the agency auditorium. (U.S. Air Force photo by William Belcher.)
by Wayne Amann
Air Force ISR Agency Public Affairs
2/8/2012 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For nearly three years the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency's career assistance adviser position was vacant.
The previous CAA retired, and no one was available locally with the right qualifications who could be released from their career field to volunteer for the vacancy. The agency resorted to using the Lackland CAA as needed.
Enter Master Sgt. Shokia Turner. The former plans and programs NCO in charge for the 543rd ISR Group here assumed the agency's CAA position following a stint in 2011 as the headquarters awards and recognition program superintendent.
"I understand and can thoroughly relate to the intel community," the 17-year Air Force veteran said. "I know the impact of not having the contacts and clearance necessary to provide information on the opportunities and special duties available in AFISRA. I aim to change that."
According to a September 2011 Air Force Magazine article, Air Force active duty retention was at a 16-year high at the end of fiscal 2011.
About 13,600 enlisted troops populate the Air Force ISR Agency. As of December 2011, the enterprise retention rates were 47 percent for first-term Airman, 53 percent for second-term Airmen and 63 percent for career Airmen.
Turner intends to improve the state of retention across the board by visiting each wing and squadron at least annually to build rapport, share information and determine factors that influence career decisions. She'll assist supervisors and commanders in counseling enlisted members on re-enlistment opportunities and benefits, and distribute information to Airmen contemplating a career decision.
"My goal is to be objective, not subjective, when it comes to advising Airmen about their careers," the Atlanta, Ga., native said. "Sometimes, that also involves a little life counseling."
Turner plans to work with the agency's functional area managers as well.
"I'll gather concerns from Airmen in the ISR career fields and relay that information to the FAMS," she said. "I'll take facts from the FAMS out to the field to dispel rumors and misinformation that may play roles in Airmen making lasting career decisions."
The Air Force established the career assistance program position in 2001 to help counter the service's then declining retention rates. Since its inception, the position has evolved into more than a retention tool. CAAs also develop and implement local programs to encourage enlisted professional growth.
Turner will be a presenter Feb. 23 at the Security Hill Top 3 Association Professional Development Day in the AFISRA headquarters auditorium. She'll be covering one of 11 subjects discussed during the day-long session.
One topic will cover the Air Force Personnel Center, which works with CAAs to tell Airmen about special-duty assignments, retraining into critical career fields, retirement planning, the selective re-enlistment program, career job reservations and extensions.
"I have a passion to help people," Turner said. "I want to educate Airmen on their options so they can expand their horizons while remaining a valuable AFISRA asset."
