The Mili-Mentoring program concept was proposed in 2022 by NCMS Board Member Jane Dinkel in honor of Kat Madden, who served in the U.S. Army and was an ISP® and NCMS Member for over 20 years. As a veteran herself, Kat was especially passionate about supporting military service members and their transition from active duty to civilian life, including creating opportunities and a pathway into the Industrial Security career field. Kat had a passion for ensuring future growth and development of the industrial security community by promoting the next generation of security professionals. The Board of Directors approved to proceed with the Mili-Mentoring Program, to develop the curriculum, program particulars, application and placement processes. Jane, along with Curtis Chappell, Larry Mustonen, and Angela Geisler tackled the task. The new program will begin rollout in mid-2023.
Initially, the Mili-Mentoring program will be comprised of ten applicants. They may be referrals from current members, family and friends, or they may come recommended from the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offices. Educating the TAP offices on the mission of NCMS and helping to guide military personnel towards their next chapter leaving active duty and joining the civilian workforce benefits all of us. The NCMS members participating as mentors will not be exclusive to military veterans, but the intent is to pair mentors and mentees that have similar service records to better suit the mentoring relationship. Curricula for the 9-month program will be primarily based on CDSE’s existing FSO Program Management for Possessing and Non-Possessing Facilities coursework, with additional insights and operational perspectives from an FSO mentor on the job who also understands the transition challenges. Upon successful completion of the Mili-Mentoring program, the mentee would be recognized and second year of membership paid for by NCMS.