Briefing helps Airmen make informed decisions

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jasmine Reif
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Before first- and second-term Airmen make the decision to stay in the Air Force or move into the civilian world after enlistment they must go to an Informed Decision Briefing.

Master Sgt. Steven Hult, 56th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, manages the briefings, which help Airmen determine their career path and prepare them for the future.

As a career dedicated crew chief, he volunteered for the job and has held the position since October 2010. He wanted to give back to Luke Airmen by making them aware of their options. As a maintainer, he feels he can relate to large populations of enlisted personnel.

"Airmen must be informed of all their opportunities in the Air Force," Hult said. "After they know all the facts, they can then decide if separating is the best option. Only they can decide what will benefit them, what their priorities are and if it makes more sense to get out or re-enlist. Learning all the facts of both options is the best way to start the decision making process."

People attending the briefings can expect to hear about Air Force benefits and entitlements, retraining and special-duty opportunities, Air Guard and Reserve opportunities, education benefits, permanent changes of station, career enhancement and re-enlisting.

According to Hult, many people have misconceptions about life outside the military and it's important to have a realistic view.

"Once an Airman separates, it is almost impossible to come back into the Air Force," Hult said. "In this economy, civilian job market, and financial uncertainty, Airmen must get all the facts before they make such a major life-changing decision. Health care, education and financial security are the top concerns most people have."

In this current economy, retention is at an all-time high in the Air Force. Hult said there are currently more people trying to get in than out.

"Most people want to re-enlist and are looking for a reason to stay," Hult said. "Some are unhappy in their current situation and are simply looking for options and a different environment. Once people realize they have options and control, they tend to find something important to help them reach their goals. I find that most people who plan on separating are determined and will separate anyway."

Over the past 10 months, Airmen have given Hult positive feedback on the effectiveness of the briefings.

"Most Airmen say they didn't know all their benefits and entitlements," he said. "Once you compare how much money, time off and benefits we get, most decide staying in the Air Force is better than civilian life. Education and retraining opportunities are two examples of what people think is the most helpful part of the informed decision briefing."

When Airmen walk out of the briefing, the career assistance advisor wants them to have increased knowledge of the benefits and entitlements of remaining in the Air Force.

"Believe it or not, Airmen have more control of their career than they think," Hult said. "If you learn the programs and explore your options, usually a person can use the system to work for them and not against them."