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SAN DIEGO - Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) partnered with Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Sea Systems Command and Commander, Navy Region Southwest for a first-ever joint mentoring event for transitioning service members at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, April 24.
The event was developed as a coordinated effort between the systems commands and the region to provide resources, mentoring and networking opportunities for transitioning sailors and Marines in San Diego.
SPAWAR Commander Rear Adm. Patrick Brady provided opening remarks and reiterated the importance of networking and mentoring as a career strategy.
“Events like this are important because you didn't become a member of our Navy or Marine Corps on your own. You had mentors going into the service and you need them as you leave,” said Brady. “For those of us here today, we know how important it is to help you transition from your military life back into civilian life again.”
After opening remarks by Brady, more than half the attendees at the event on MCRD boarded a bus for a tour of the SPAWAR Headquarters facility in continuation of the networking and mentoring activities.
Mark Blocksom, a volunteer from SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific and one of the events coordinators and speakers, discussed his own experience as a transitioning service member 17 years earlier. He described some of his challenges and assured the attendees that they had picked up valuable, transferrable knowledge, skills and ability throughout their military careers. At the networking session afterwards, he talked with a few of the sailors and Marines about the command.
“I see a real opportunity today to help our sailors and Marine transition and find careers that will support the warfighter,” said Blocksom. “Most of the folks at today’s event came over to the SPAWAR facility to find out what we do. There are a lot of one-on-one discussions and meaningful conversations occurring today on how to transition out of the military, what skills are needed to work at SPAWAR and how that may fit into their overall civilian career plan.”
Comprised of volunteers from various divisions within the command, the mentors provided advice and guidance on transitioning from a military to civilian career and discussed such topics as resume preparation, job search techniques, the importance of networking and the associated skills required performing the type of work done at SPAWAR.
SPAWAR is partnering with the other systems commands in the region as part of a hiring initiative to help transitioning service members find employment as they prepare to leave the military said Command Master Chief Octavia Harris, who will be transitioning to the civilian world after 30 years of service to her country.
“I've had a great military career and will be leaving the Navy next month," said Harris. "I certainly understand the importance of networking and the value mentoring can provide to those of us transitioning to the civilian world. I know that having a toolkit full of resources and contacts can help facilitate and smooth that process.”
The Navy's Information Dominance Systems Command, SPAWAR participates regularly in events and programs for transitioning service members with a goal of providing support to the men and women who have served their nation.
For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar, www.facebook.com/usnavy or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.24.2012 19:33 |
| Story ID: | 87269 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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