UCA Program Outline

Quick Resource Link organized by topic.

Recap of UCA Purpose

The purpose of the UCA (Unit Career Advisor) program is two-fold, helping our members be heard and also provide another opportunity to Commanders to hear from the people they lead.

Every Unit has a UCA identified by Appointment Letter signed by the Wing Commander.

The UCA program is a Commander program and the UCAs are appointed by their Commander.

On the forefront, we start by providing Career Motivational Program (CMP) Surveys. The surveys provide an opportunity for members to share what their goals are in their career, highlight what's going good and what's not going good, as well as provide an opportunity to share ideas to make things better.

The UCA is in a uniquely influential position, as they will facilitate these surveys throughout a member's career. In doing so, they will learn what needs their team has and will be in a position to assist them. 

For example, if a member shares their goal is to complete a 4 year degree by the end of their first term of enlistment, the UCA can ensure that person has access to their education benefits and clarify any obstacles they have or at the least point them to the right person or organization to help. 

In that situation, they could use this Retention website to go through the GI Bill Ch. 1606 steps to apply (linked up here).

There are 3 primary surveys an UCA will facilitate for a member. What should be emphasized is, following the survey, the UCA and Commander should sit down and talk with the member regarding their inputs. Without sitting down and talking with them, the Commander loses out on the opportunity to show the member they hear them.

Timeline of the Surveys

1) Initial CMP Survey

• Completed within 90 days of transfer to the Unit if Tech School is not needed. 

• Completed within 90 days of return from Tech School.

2) Reenlistment CMP Survey

• Completed 9 to 12 months from a member's ETS.

3) Follow Up CMP Survey

• If a member states they are not planning on reenlisting on their Reenlistment CMP Survey, this Follow Up CMP Survey is given 6 months to 3 months from their ETS date.

Summary

In summary, the UCA program provides benefits to both the Commander and the member. It is a scheduled and systematic approach for both parties to sit down and talk through the surveys. Through the surveys and the conversations that follow, Commanders will gain a good measure of their team's needs by what is going well and what is not going so well. It also encourages open dialogue and within it has supported process improvements.