Mentoring of Women in the United States Air Force

Women became a permanent part of the Armed Forces in 1948. Over the last ten years, the percentage of women in the United States Air Force (USAF) has increased over 38 percent. This steady increase in female USAF professionals has been accompanied by significant increases in the percentages of women in the senior officer and enlisted ranks. USAF women are progressing well professionally, even when compared to their civilian counterparts. This paper uses independent research and survey inputs from the 1997 Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) class to discuss mentoring in the USAF. The survey indicates that mentoring plays a key role in the development of successful USAF professionals. This paper examines mentoring from a developmental perspective. First, it explores the background and history of mentoring in order to establish a common foundation for understanding. Next, this paper examines the positive affects of mentoring on the mentee, the mentor, and the organization. Third, this paper discusses the dynamics of mentoring relationships-the nuts and bolts of how mentoring relationships work. Finally, this paper takes a look at different types of mentoring initiatives in today's USAF.