4th Inf. Div. leaders, career counselors accomplish mission – retaining Soldiers/More than 3,000 Ivy Div. troops choose to stay with team

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BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.16.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

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By the Multi-National Division - Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – As the 4th Infantry Division passed the halfway point of its third deployment in five years to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Ironhorse Division's Soldiers, leaders and career counselors once again basked in the glory of exceeding their annual retention mission.

As of July 28, 2008, with a little more than two months remaining in the current fiscal year, more than 3,020 Soldiers had committed themselves to stay with the Ivy Division and remain a part of the U.S. Army team.

"Our Soldiers remain 'Steadfast and Loyal' to the Army team," said Sgt. Maj. Don Salinas, who hails from Lockhart, Texas, and serves as the command career counselor for 4th Inf. Div. and Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "I am impressed by the commitment and professionalism of our Soldiers, who continue to answer their nation's call."

Although there has been speculation on the potential effects of the current operational tempos and deployments during the Global War on Terrorism will have on retaining Soldiers in the Army, it is a challenge the division's leaders and career counselors actively engaged in their efforts to keep good Soldiers.

The Ironhorse Team has faced some rather unique challenges during the past year with three of its brigades: the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Brigade Combat Teams based at Fort Carson, Colo., while the division's headquarters element, 1st BCT and Combat Aviation Brigade remain based at Fort Hood, Texas. Additionally, one-half of the division is currently deployed: the headquarters, 1st and 3rd BCTs and the CAB, while the 2nd and 4th BCTs are preparing for upcoming deployments.

"It has truly been a team effort, led by Maj. Gen. [Jeffery] Hammond, the division commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. [John] Gioia, to stress the importance of keeping these Soldiers as members of our team," said Salinas. "These Soldiers are combat veterans – and it is vital we retain their knowledge and experiences, which is something you just cannot replace."

Soldiers choose to reenlist for various reasons, and each of those reasons is unique to each individual. For some, it may be a tax-free reenlistment bonus. For others, professional development opportunities, such as training or education may prove vitally important in their choice. And, job security and perhaps adventure are always important aspects as well.

For many Soldiers though, they retake an oath to serve because they believe in something they know is greater than they are, said Salinas.

"Statistically, the number one reason Soldiers are reenlisting is the tax-free bonus – but I believe it's because of a person's character," said Salinas, a native of Lockhart, Texas. "It takes a special person to make a commitment to serve during a protracted period of conflict."

Salinas, who has served as a retention career counselor for 23 of his 24 years of service in the U.S. Army, said he truly enjoys the opportunity of providing Soldiers as much information as possible so they can make informed decisions on what is best for them and their families.

"I love what I do, and I love working with Soldiers," he said. "How could I influence someone to make a decision to stay in the Army if I don't believe in the Army myself?"

The career counselors work diligently to overcome any obstacles when trying to help meet the needs of Soldiers. It is a task they take seriously and strive to find new methods to help those coming to them for assistance.

"Soldiers often come to me knowing exactly what they want, and sometimes it's things we just can't offer," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sadler, native of Newark, N.Y., who serves as career counselor with 4th Inf. Div. "It's my job to provide them with all of the options available and give them the best we can."

Even though the division has reached its retention goal for the fiscal year, the mission of the career counselors is not complete. They still have two more months remaining in which to provide assistance for Soldiers who are making the important decisions as to whether they will remain a part of the team. And, of course, they are preparing to begin working on their retention mission for the upcoming fiscal year.

Key to their continued success of retaining a professional force is the strong leadership exhibited throughout the Army, which has made retention such a high priority.

"The army is full of great leaders," said Salinas. "They're the ones that are inspiring Soldiers to better their lives. We achieve all missions with leadership."