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AFDW promotes civilian development

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Washington, D.C. --  Air Force District of Washington leadership hosted the first in a series of civilian workforce development programs Aug. 1 at Joint Base Andrews AFB, Md.

"This new program was built by numerous individuals and organizations, with the expectation of growing and strengthening mentorship through a one-year program," said Nannette Howard, AFDW Manpower, Personnel and Services Directorate, Education and Training Section. "Within this year, participants are taught the expectations for mentor and mentee. Our goal is to educate and guide our participants through the process, which would entail a hybrid of educational offerings via brown bags (working lunches), share point, soft skill training and numerous speakers focusing on diversity, leadership and mentoring."

Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, AFDW commander, was the guest speaker at the kick-off event for this new program. He spoke to nearly 80 civilian government employees at the working lunch.

"To say that force development is important to me is an understatement," said McDew. "There is nothing more important than developing our force, our workers, our leaders."

To ensure that all AFDW civilian employees reach their full potential, the general is institutionalizing the AFDW Civilian Workforce Development Program. The CWDP consists of mentoring, leadership series challenges, new employee and supervisor orientation, civilian education, annual civilian training, and mission readiness programs.

The mentoring program's objective is to provide effective career development for AFDW civilians and facilitate quality and effective communication between mentors and mentees - strengthening the organization and maintaining quality personnel.

The general spoke about how fortunate he was that in his 29 years of military service, he's only had "two very bad bosses" in a career full of great bosses. Seeing both sides of leadership helped program him into realizing how important it is to invest in other human beings.

"I will not hire you to work for me if I'm not going to invest in you," said McDew. "That doesn't mean it's going to be painless (for the mentor or mentee), there is sacrifice involved."

The general said every employee must seek challenges, take initiative, and invest in themselves.

"Investing in myself makes me a better vessel for someone else to invest in," he said. "Run, work out, read... prepare yourself to accept that investment."

Quarterly development meetings and monthly training opportunities are being planned by civilian personnel officials, based on feedback from participants. Those willing to be a mentor, and those wishing to be mentored are asked to sign up by Aug. 9. The next mentor/mentee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 23.

"This is truly a team effort within AFDW," said Howard. "The AFDW Civilian Force Development Plan is an opportunity to invest in our civilians and follow AFPC's lead - mirroring the deliberate development active-duty Airmen receive for our civilian employees."

For more information on the AFDW Civilian Workforce Development Program, contact Nannette Howard at (240) 857-1279.