NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Several wounded Marines honed their job interview skills at a speed mentoring event at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, June 17.

Speed mentoring is a fast-paced, time-efficient method to obtain advice and guidance from several mentors in a short period of time. At this event, 19 Marines spent six minutes each with seven different employers, including the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), to obtain advice on how to reintegrate into the civilian workforce.

“Many Walter Reed Marines work in the combat arms fields, and they must often change careers upon retirement,” explained Theresa Blackledge, a career and education counselor/transition coordinator at Walter Reed. “As the old adage goes, ‘you don't know what you don't know,’ so this event was intended to broaden perspectives, open minds and motivate transitioning Marines to explore different organizations and a variety of occupations.”

Two of the Marines are pursuing jobs at NAVAIR’s Fleet Readiness Center (FRC), which offers entry-level positions and a chance to learn a marketable trade, said Tom Carpenter, FRC director of personnel and corporate operations.

“[At this type of event], in a few short minutes, we can give an overview of the possibilities with NAVAIR, both in terms of geographic locations and in terms of opportunities for a civilian career,” he said. “This format also allows us to quickly identify candidates who are farther along in the process and ready to talk seriously about employment. We can then follow up with them after the event.”

The event, a first for the medical center, received positive feedback from participants. One Marine sergeant said, “I liked the freedom to talk to different people. The employers were very good and opened my mind to jobs I never considered before. Now, I am talking to a company I never heard of and moving toward a new career.” A marine corporal said he has already taken some of the employers’ advice to boost his online networking.

For Sonny Fann, NAVAIR’s Wounded Warrior Program outreach coordinator, the event was about more than just placing Marines in a new job; it was about hope.

“A lot of the wounded warriors don’t understand the value they bring to any organization. This event shows them they have value,” he said. “This program saves lives. We are providing the path to a new career and the opportunity to continue to serve.”

For more information on NAVAIR jobs, visit http://www.navair.navy.mil/jobs/.