Journeys Through Service

Professional People Person

Laura-Kate keeps the mission moving by providing human resources support to her unit in the Air National Guard.

Meet Laura-Kate

Personnel Specialist

The People Manager

Personnel specialists are the backbone of operational success. Senior Airman Laura-Kate keeps her unit in the Air National Guard running with the most crucial admin tasks: records, reenlistments, promotions, you name it. Think HR on the civilian side but with a military twist.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Human Resources Manager, Business Administrator, Talent Manager

BRANCH

Air National Guard

RANK

Senior Airman

Laura-Kate’s Journey at a Glance

Performs crucial personnel tasks that keep Airmen mission ready

Facilitates key milestones like promotions, reenlistments and retirements

Builds a well-rounded future serving part time while working full time as a teacher

What Led Laura-Kate to the Military

The Spark

The Spark

Didn’t find many scholarships in her area of interest and knew the Military could help pay for her degree.

The Drive

The Drive

Looked for a path to serve on her terms: stay close to home, pursue her education and continue teaching her special needs students.

The Decision

The Decision

Was inspired by opportunities in the Air National Guard for personal and professional growth. Met with a recruiter and enlisted.

 

 

 

 

“I’d definitely say don’t not join because of Basic Training. Once you get past that and learn the job you’re going to do and the people you surround yourself with, it’s a whole other world.”

What’s the Real Deal With Basic Training?

It’s intense, but it’s not what the movies make it out to be. It’s incredibly rewarding and prepares recruits for all aspects of service: the physical, mental and emotional.

Learn More

What Laura-Kate Does on the Job

 

 

 

 

 

“I am a people person. [My job is] a lot of helping people fix issues, which I enjoy. I interact with colleagues of all ranks. The variety keeps the job engaging and reinforces teamwork.”

Files Essential Info

Manages records for service members, logging key info like trainings and evaluations.

Makes Milestones Happen

Enables service members to reenlist, get promoted, travel for missions and retire.

Solves Process Problems

Answers questions from members in her unit, ensuring everyone is mission ready.

See Yourself in Personnel?

You’ll oversee service member records related to training, performance, pay and promotions.

Get the Full Breakdown

Grad School. Weekend Training. Immense Impact.

Laura-Kate serves part time in the Air National Guard. On weekdays, she works in the classroom and hits the books in the library, studying toward her master’s. One weekend a month, she puts on the uniform to help her fellow Airmen succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

“[In my civilian job] I work with students with social and emotional needs and behavioral disorders. I help them stay on track and regulated, and we work on different coping skills to help them during their school day.”

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How Does Part-Time Service Compare to Full-Time?

See the Difference
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Want to Know More About the Air National Guard?

Explore How it Works

Perks of Part Time

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Laura-Kate saw part-time service as an opportunity to make connections with different people and fast-track her professional development.

Triple Threat

laura-kate chats with a classmate in the university library

Working toward her master’s degree in elementary education to earn her teaching license.

Laura-Kate instructs a student 1 on 1

Gaining hands-on experience in the classroom supporting students with accessibility needs.

Laura-Kate and a work colleague in uniform reviewing paperwork in the hallway

Honing communication skills and attention to detail through service, making her a stronger student and teacher. 

“The tuition waiver was a very big reason why I joined the Military, and it helps me to this day. I’ll have my master’s by the fall, which I didn’t think would happen for a few more years.”

Ready for the Road Ahead

Future-Proofing

  • A fast track to promotion and leadership training
  • Impeccable time management
  • Communication skills that help her as a teacher

Life-Shaping

  • Access to education without debt worries
  • A teaching license in her future
  • A VA loan to buy a home with her fiance

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