Major Jackie Barnum is a logistics officer currently serving on active duty in the Marine Corps. She graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD in 2014 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After completing basic at Quantico, she went on to finish the Logistics Officer Course in Jacksonville, NC, before being assigned to Okinawa, Japan, for two years. During her time there, she held the position of Platoon Commander and took part in several exercises in the Philippines and the Republic of South Korea.
Following her time in Okinawa, she was stationed at Camp Pendleton and later served as a Company Officer at the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI. Currently, she is the Headquarters Company Commander at Marine Air Control Group 38, located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Jackie is passionate about mentoring young leaders, assisting them in overcoming challenges early in their careers. She also enjoys sharing her experiences on social media to inspire younger generations to consider a future in the military.
Mentors in Service
“Mentors in Service” is an initiative led by Barnum, aimed at fostering growth and development among young military leaders. This program was crafted organically to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to service members at the early stages of their careers.
The primary mission of Mentors in Service is to cultivate a community where experienced leaders can share their knowledge and insights with the next generation of military personnel. This initiative seeks to achieve several key goals:
- Empowerment: Equip young service members with the tools and confidence needed to succeed in their roles.
- Support: Create a supportive network where individuals feel comfortable seeking advice and discussing challenges.
- Professional Development: Offer opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement.
- Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the military community.
Activities and Programs
Mentors in Service offers a range of activities designed to engage and benefit participants, including:
- Workshops and Seminars: Regular events featuring experienced military leaders who share their experiences and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
- One-on-One Mentoring: Personalized mentoring sessions to address individual concerns and career aspirations.
- Networking Opportunities: Events that connect young leaders with peers and mentors, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Through Mentors in Service, Barnum has witnessed numerous success stories where young leaders have overcome significant challenges and advanced in their careers. The initiative has been praised for its positive impact on personal and professional growth within the military community.
Looking forward, Jackie aims to expand Mentors in Service to reach a broader audience and incorporate additional resources, such as online learning modules and virtual mentoring sessions with a larger reach. Her vision is to create a lasting legacy that continues to empower and inspire future generations of military leaders.
