2000 Opelousas Avenue.
New Orleans, LA. 70114

Duty Phone
(504) 206-5065

Purpose Statement 

The MARFORRES/MARFORSOUTH Mentorship Program is a voluntary program designed to serve as a tool for Marines and supporting Sailors to find and connect with a mentor or mentee. This program prioritizes best fit, and will strive to match mentors and mentees based on commonalities identified in sign-up sheets completed by the participants. Mentors will receive a one-time training and resource materials to aid in a successful relationship. All Marines and supporting Sailors attached to MARFORRES, MARFORSOUTH, and subordinate commands are encouraged to participate.  

HOW IT WORKS

The USMCR Mentorship Program is entirely voluntary. Interested mentees and mentors will fill out a detailed sign-up form that allows the program to pair mentors with mentees according to best fit. Military and personal experiences and goals, communication style, demographics and other factors will be considered according to participant’s preferences.

Enlisted mentors are required to be at least 2 ranks higher than their mentee with exceptions for E-8 and above. At the Officer level, Mentors are required to be at least 1 rank higher than their mentee with exceptions for O-6 and above. Exceptions based on time in service may be considered. All mentors will have completed at least 4 years in service. Mentors will also complete a one-time training (in-person or online) to help prepare them for a successful mentoring relationship.

Mentor/Mentee pairs will be matched through an algorithm and then fine-tuned by the program manager prior to assignment. Once a match is made, participants will be sent an email informing them of who their mentor/mentee will be. The hope is that this relationship continues beyond the confines of this program, but the formal relationship is designed to continue for one year from the match notification date. 

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

Program Duration and Engagement

The formal mentorship relationship will last one year from the match notification date. Mentors and Mentees are expected to engage in at least one hour of meaningful contact per month. Additionally, mentors agree to be reasonably available to their mentee on a regular, unscheduled, basis

Mentorship Training

Mentors agree to complete a one-time training designed to review program expectations and provide guidance for a successful mentoring relationship. Training can be completed through online distance education. A link will be made available to you following completion of the mentor sign-up form. Time requirement is approximately 1 hour.

Privacy

Privacy and trust are integral to the mentoring relationship. Both mentors and mentees agree that information discussed within the relationship remains confidential with very few exceptions. These exceptions all relate to the safety and health of Marines and Sailors, and include current suicidal thoughts, UCMJ violations, or significant command climate concerns. Resources such as the suicide prevention team, sexual assault prevention and response, equal opportunity, force psychologist, and medical providers will always be available for confidential consultation. ​​​​​​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my mentor?

You are always welcome to approach an individual and ask if they are willing to mentor you. However, if you choose to seek a mentor through this program, a mentor will be assigned to you based on preferences you selected on your sign-up sheet.

What if I don’t feel like my match is a good fit?

If you as a mentor or a mentee do not feel that the relationship is a good fit, please contact the program manager to determine if it can be resolved. If not, all parties will be notified of dissolution of formal mentoring relationship, and both can re-enter the pool to be matched again if they choose. Participation remains voluntary throughout the year.

What if I am unable to fulfill the initially agreed upon year for reasons other than bad fit?

Please discuss this with your mentor/mentee with as much notice as possible. Afterward, please contact the program manager so we can get in touch with the remaining mentor/mentee and provide an opportunity to be re-matched.

Will my mentor be in my direct chain of command?

Probably not. Research shows that direct supervisors already have a teaching and leading role, and mentors are often best utilized when outside the direct chain. Mentors/Mentees can share a MOS/Rate and/or be in the same department.

As a mentor, can I have more than one mentee?

Yes, you can be matched with up to 3 mentees at your request. The default is one mentee. If you would like to be available for more matches, please make the program manager aware so your profile can be re-submitted for further matches. A limit of 3 was placed to ensure time for quality mentoring relationships.

As a mentee, can I have more than one mentor?

Yes, there is no limit on the number of mentors a mentee can seek. Many mentees may seek different mentors for different areas of their life. Matching will be based on best fit, but those who do not yet have one mentor will be prioritized over those who already have been matched successfully at least once.