As fiscal year ends, re-enlistment goal nears

Photo By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky | Pfc. John Moore, (right) 26th Brigade Support Battalion, re-enlists for six years, Aug. 29.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

09.04.2007

Story by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd BCT PAO

Forward Operating Base Kalsu, IRAQ – As the end of the fiscal year approaches, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team is taking aim at hitting their 2007 retention goal.

Currently, the brigade has re-enlisted more than 80 percent of its goal, said Master Sgt. Derrick Ray, 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, senior brigade career counselor. Although the ideal goal is to retain every Soldier, Ray said the brigade is shooting for 547 re-enlistments.

There are many reasons Soldiers choose to continue their service to the nation, even in a time of war, said Sgt. Derek Keegan, a retention non-commissioned officer in the 26th Brigade Support Battalion.

Keegan, who himself re-enlisted July 4 in a ceremony with Gen. David Patreaus, Multi-National Force - Iraq commander, said a big factor is money.

With bonuses often well over $10,000, tax-free due to deployment status, many Soldiers see financial stability in choosing to stay.

"If you're going to re-enlist, now is the opportune time," said 2nd BCT Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane. "At the end of the fiscal year, the Army tends to put a little more money into bonuses."

With less than 30 days left in the fiscal year, Soldiers deployed can take advantage of the Army's bonus programs.

"I got a baby to look after," said Pfc. John Moore, a mechanic with 26th BSB. He said his $10,000 bonus will help him fulfill that obligation. He also received the schooling option with his re-enlistment.

The 3rd Infantry Division, to prompt Soldiers to stay in the Marne Division, offers its own incentives. Soldiers re-enlisting for stabilization with the 3rd Inf. Div. can get their choice of two semesters of college, airborne school or air assault school.

Other benefits associated with the Army, such as health care, college tuition assistance and opportunities to learn new skills are also keeping Soldiers extending their contracts, Keegan said.

"The Army sells itself," Keegan said of the stability the Army can offer Soldiers.

He added that many Soldiers joined the Army for these benefits and continue to serve for this reason.

Ray added that many Soldiers stay to reach a particular goal they set for themselves. Ray, who has served 22 years, said he came into the Army with the goal of making it a career and becoming a sergeant major. The stability the Army offers can also help Soldiers met the goals they set when they joined.

Patriotism is also a motivating factor, Keegan said.

But no matter the reason that motivates a soldier to re-enlist, it is a very important step in keeping the Army combat ready.

"Re-ups are a great deal and everyone knows that," said Col. Terry Ferrell, 2nd BCT commander. "(To) anyone who serves and is willing to stay at the time we are currently in and (continue to) serve our nation, it is humbling to serve with you."

• Date Taken: 09.04.2007
• Date Posted: 09.04.2007 07:54
• Story ID: 12126
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ