TF-Resolute hosts mass re-enlistment downrange

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alexander Burnett | Col. Lawrence Kominiak, foreground, the Task Force Resolute commander, issues the oath of enlistment to five soldiers during a mass re-enlistment ceremony at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, TF-Resolute motorpool, on Kandahar Airfield, Oct. 24.  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.24.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Alexander Burnett 

7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Task Force Resolute retention office hosted a mass re-enlistment ceremony at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, TF-Resolute motorpool on Kandahar Airfield, Oct. 24.

The five re-enlisting soldiers were: Sgt. Phillip Spiniao, Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez, Spc. Rashaun Moseley, Spc. Ashford Turner and Spc. Elmore Young III. Each ‘Resolute’ warrior received a bonus, totaling over $17,000 between the five. Spiniao and Rodriguez will get home station stabilization in their contracts, enabling them to remain at Fort Eustis, Va.

“I made a decision a long time ago to make the Army my career,” said Spiniao, an HHC, STB, TF-Resolute mechanic who re-enlisted for an additional six years of service. “I know that serving my country is the best thing for my family, my battle buddies and myself.”

These soldiers are re-enlisting at a time that is critical for the Army and all branches of service. The Army is reducing its numbers and the days of receiving cash bonuses for re-enlisting are coming to an end. Some military occupational specialties are being forced to choose new military positions to facilitate new requirements, said Sgt. 1st Class Nia Robinson, the TF-Resolute retention Noncommissioned Officer in charge.

“These warriors are re-enlisting at a critical time,” said Robinson.

“The Army is changing and the new requirements for continued military service going to continue to change.”

The process of re-enlisting is changing as well. The process, which only took a matter of days in the past, can now take between 15 and 30 days depending on each soldier’s situation and which options they have to choose from. The reduction in bonuses and the more limiting qualifications are also creating a more committed group of soldiers to re-enlist, said Sgt. Dewana Thornton, the HHC, STB, TF-Resolute retention NCOIC.

“Even though these outstanding troops are receiving bonuses, they are definitely not the large cash amounts we were seeing a few years ago,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Escalona, the TF-Resolute command sergeant major. “These are quality soldiers who are committed to service and excellence.”

• Date Taken: 10.24.2011
• Date Posted: 10.25.2011 07:24
• Story ID: 78954
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF