JLBC, YOUR MENTOR, AND YOU
JLBC OBJECTIVES:
JLBC Cadets Define the term “mentor.”
Defend the idea that cadets can benefit from mentoring. Identify five ways that mentors help cadets.
Must you learn to lead on your own? Or can you take a team approach to your development as a leader? Luke had Obi-Wan. Helen Keller had Anne Sullivan. Batman mentored Robin.
A mentor is a close, trusted, experienced advisor. They help you learn something that you would have learned less well, more slowly, or not if left alone. Mentoring usually takes place in an informal, one-on-one setting. And unlike a teacher or a boss, a mentor does not formally grade you or order you what to do, but they will provide valuable feedback so you can improve your leadership skills.
Some examples of how mentors help junior cadets include:
JLBC SELFLESS SERVICE: A1C WILLIAM PITSENBARGER
A willingness to put the team ahead of yourself is the price of admission onto any great team. But how selfless must one be?
April 11, 1966. Air Force Pararescueman William Pitsenbarger volunteers to be hoisted from a helicopter into the jungle of Vietnam, where he will treat wounded soldiers.
After Pitsenbarger rescues several men, his helicopter is hit and has to return to base. Nevertheless, he stays on the ground, providing first aid to the wounded.
Eventually, the enemy over- whelms the Americans. Pitsenbarger fights valiantly, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire while rushing to the aid of the wounded.
In the process, he is wounded once, twice, and a third time. Undaunted and in total disregard for his safety, Airman Pitsenbarger continues providing medical aid to others, not stopping until his wounds claim his life.
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