Every branch, squadron and unit has a mission statement, but do you have one for your career? If not, you should. The Air Force has created a tool, known as the Reserve Enlisted/Officer Development Plan, to assist citizen airmen in mapping out their career.
I am an enlisted Tech. Sgt. at the point in my career where I am asking myself, what’s next? When I asked that question, I was asked a question right back: Have you filled out your R-EDP? My answer was, “What is an R-EDP?”
Imagine a road map that works as a dedicated plan for your goals in the Air Force. Next, imagine a place where you can get advice and guidance from your peers or a mentor. Now imagine something that makes you stand out above your peers. That is your R-EDP.
“The R-EDP is important part of the enlisted force development process. The plan is simple to work on and it helps airmen with the process of setting short- and long-term professional development goals. A completed R-EDP allows our airmen to apply for educational opportunities only available to those who complete R-EDP,” Master Sgt. Michael Blaker stated. “Completing additional development education is needed if airmen want to remain competitive for career-broadening opportunities as their careers progress. The added benefit for the traditional reservist is that the knowledge they gain will help them to be more successful in their civilian careers, too.”
Tech. Sgt. Aires Medina, who filled out her R-EDP, was selected to sit on the 2S0 Developmental Board.
“I filled out my R-EDP because I wanted to ensure that I was taking the necessary steps to advance my career and education goals. The R-EDP offers an opportunity to get suggestions on what steps to take to continue moving forward,” she said.
Blaker encourages airmen to take the time to complete their plan by sending reminders with information and instructions.
How to start your Reserve Enlisted/Officer Development Plan
In order to do this, you must be connected on a .mil network. If you haven’t started your R-EDP, start by logging in to the Air Force portal. In the Quick Link Search, enter R-EDP. It will display the link R-EDP (Reserve Enlisted Development Plan). The link will take you to myPers. Login again using your CAC. Next, select “Action Requests” tab and look for “Force Development” tab which is second from the bottom on the right side. Then select the “Reserve Enlisted Development (R-EDP) tab and it will take you to the page in which you will begin to populate the fields within the plan.
Once you’re in your R-EDP, you will have different sections to fill out. Be sure all your contact information is correct. Then, complete your “Wish List” under Assignment Desire, and you can select other base locations. It will also ask your willingness to serve as IMA, TR, ART, AGR and/or PIRR.
Next, it will ask if you would consider attending developmental education in the upcoming year. If you have been trying to attend NCOLDC, this is where you would put that class along with any other training you would like to attend.
The additional information box is where you sell yourself. If you have a resume, it is best to cut and paste your work experience here. Do not underestimate the importance of this section. This section is all about you and how you can help your unit and/or the Air Force, as a whole.
The next section is goals. Here is where you can start your career planning by planning your near term (six-to-12 months), your midterm (one-to-three years) and your long term (three-to-five years). Want to shoot for the stars and be AFRC Command Chief? Here is where you list that.
The final section is where you send it to peers or supervisors for review. Once you have consulted with a mentor and made final edits, forward it on to your squadron commander or chief.
These plans help your supervisor and career field managers understand your goals and desires when it comes to your Air Force career. It also allows you to communicate your assignment preferences, education and training desires, and your short, medium and long term goals.
Got questions about the Reserve Enlisted/Officer Development Plan? Contact Tech. Sgt. Lewis at 943supersix@gmail.com.
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