BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Master Sgt. Reuben Elliott is a 23-year veteran with background in the U.S. Air Force and Army. The new 307th Maintenance Group career advisor has seen a lot, serving across four different career field during his time in service. He took time out of his busy schedule to explain his role and set out hopes for the Reserve Citizen Airmen he serves.
PA: Where were you stationed just prior to coming to the 307th Maintenance Group?
ELLIOTT: I was as at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, California. However, I’ve lived in Nacogdoches,Texas since 2017. It was important to live out that enlistment contract until they were able to fill my seat. Fortunately for both of us, my last unit gained two new Airmen that were exceptional and I was able to step back and let them take over.
PA: Why did you become a career advisor?
ELLIOTT: I had 22 plus years in and was getting comfortable with the idea of retiring but when I sat down with my own career advisor he sold me on the idea of continuing my career in that role. It seemed to fit into my favorite aspect of my career, mentoring junior enlisted. My former squadron had allowed me to hold quarterly meetings with our junior enlisted Airmen and it had a positive impact. I was able to give them an unbiased perspective and break things down in a way they had not thought of before. So, when the opportunity to become a career advisor popped up, it seemed like something that was in my lane.
PA: What do you like most about the position?
ELLIOTT: I like helping the people with the nuts and bolts of their career, but I also like coaching them and helping them form a strategy. That way, they get what they want out of their career and the Air Force gets what it needs. Both parties get a healthy return.
PA: What can our Airmen expect from you?
ELLIOTT: Of course, I’m going to be there to answer questions about their bonuses and their eligibilities. Eventually, I’d really like to implement, what I call my closed door policy. Where they can come in and say what’s on their mind without worrying about retribution.
PA: Is there anything else you hope to accomplish while here?
ELLIOTT: My main goal is to make sure our Airmen get the most accurate information possible. I don’t want them blindsided by re-enlistments and I want them to be aware of their opportunities. I want to empower the squadron career advisors to answer their questions accurately. At the same time, I want them to know my face and be comfortable approaching me.
PA: At what point in an Airman’s career do you think they can benefit most from seeing their career advisor?
ELLIOTT: I’d say when they are Senior Airmen, because they are preparing for a leadership role. When I made that transition, it was difficult because I went from being everyone’s buddy to being in charge of a program. Those are the kinds of things a career advisor can help with.
PA:What’s the biggest thing you want the Airmen in the 307th MXG to know as you take on this role?
ELLIOTT: I want them to know my sincere goal is to make sure their interests and the interests of the Air Force are met. I believe those are also one and the same.