Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Leon provides career advice and counseling to U.S. Army...... read more read more
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By 1st Lt. Perry Morgan
LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Leon, retention non-commissioned officer and career counsellor for “Task Force Sabre,” at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, has facilitated over 25 reenlistments for soldiers in TF Sabre, TF Muleskinner, TF Wings TF Catamout, as well as members of the 75th Ranger Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment in the two months that TF Sabre has been deployed to Logar province.
Leon is responsible for advising the TF Sabre commander and command sergeant major on all retention related matters as well as providing FOB Shank soldiers with valuable advice on career options.
During his 18-year career, Leon has helped reenlist countless American Soldiers in the U.S., Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Iraq, and now Afghanistan. His position requires an in-depth knowledge of new all Army action messages and policies relating to career progression.
Before becoming an Army Career Counselor, Leon served as a fueler in the 1st Infantry Division, stationed in Germany.
“I got to see the breadth of possible experiences I could have in the Army.” Leon said. “There were so many opportunities for soldiers, and I really wanted to help facilitate those opportunities.”
Since becoming a career counselor, Leon has had the opportunity to help soldiers stationed all over the world to include multiple combat deployments. He processed reenlistment packets for soldiers from all occupational specialties and executed reenlistment ceremonies in places like Paris, Israel, Berlin and many others.
“I just really love reenlisting soldiers,” Leon said. “Think about it; my whole job is to take care of the career needs of soldiers. It’s to make sure that they have the right information to make informed decisions on their careers and make the best choice for themselves and their families… that’s pretty neat.”
The American flag that Leon uses during reenlistment ceremonies also carries significant meaning. “The flag was given to me by another career counselor a few years back.” Leon recalled. “I have used it in all kinds of promotion and reenlistment ceremonies. Since I’ve had it, it has been all over the world.”
Though TF Sabre has only been on FOB Shank for two months, Sgt. 1st Class Leon has already achieved 40 percent of the entire Regiment’s 4th Quarter retention goals.
“The Regiment needs 17 more reenlistments to reach its mission,” he said. “My goal is to do 10 of those 17.”
Regardless of geographical location or tactical mission, TF Sabre places the retention of talented individuals in the formation as a high priority.
“It’s the foundation of what keeps our Army strong,” said Lt. Col. Mike James, TF Sabre’s commander. “Ensuring that our troopers have as much assistance as they need when making these very important decisions. Sgt. 1st Class Leon does an excellent job making sure that they have access to all the information they need.”
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 08.29.2014 06:34 |
| Story ID: | 140787 |
| Location: | LOGAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 246 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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