What is the value of having a mentor as a young officer/enlisted?

Cadet SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:44:25 -0400

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 19 at 2017 1:54 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:54:15 -0400

The greatest value is the experience the mentor can bring to the table. They can take theory and translate that into the real world for the inexperienced.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jun 21 at 2017 6:37 AM

CPT David Gowel — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 06:37:18 -0400

For many, I think having a mentor early in one's career is possibly one of the most influential factors in being successful in the military (or any career). You'll naturally be assigned leaders who can fulfill part of the mentor role as your rater and senior rater. However, I'd recommend also looking for someone outside your chain of command that can help be a sounding board when you're dealing with something challenging at work or in your personal life and need someone to talk to... or to have someone give you a swift kick in the ass if you need it.