Task Force Rugged re-enlistment takes place, brings soldiers together

Photo By Sgt. Laura Bonano | Maj. Gen. William E. Rapp, the deputy commander-support for U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, swears in more than 80 soldiers from the 14th Engineer Battalion March 3 aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

03.03.2012

Story by Sgt. Laura Bonano 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Over the next few years, the Army will reduce its strength and shape the force for future requirements partially through re-enlistment policy.

The 14th Engineer Battalion met the challenge of keeping the right soldiers in by hosting a “Task Force Rugged” re-enlistment ceremony March 3 aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Soldiers from subordinate companies traveled from forward operating bases across Afghanistan to raise their right hand and commit to another term serving their country.

Lt. Col. John A. Buck, commanding officer of the 14th Engineer Battalion, gave credit to the units for finding over 400 improvised explosive devices in seven months.

“Think of the lives saved,” said Buck.

Maj. Gen. William E. Rapp, the deputy commander-support for U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, served as the guest speaker at the ceremony and gave advice to troops in the coming year.

“Be confident in what you do, because if you are not an expert in your craft, you may end up hurting yourself, or hurting somebody else,” said Rapp.

He told soldiers to never stop learning and whether they are non-commissioned officers or junior enlisted, they must be willing to lead.

Sgt. 1st Class Francisco Pagan, the non-commissioned officer in charge of Rugged’s personnel and administration section, said it took a lot of work to gather everyone for the event. He said nothing like this has taken place before on Camp Leatherneck.

“I think it went great, just seeing smiling faces on the soldiers, they were happy to be here, they were proud of their unit, proud of their country,” said Pagan.

More than 80 soldiers took part in the ceremony. Others scheduled to re-enlist couldn't attend because they were out on missions, dedicating their service to the fight.

Sgt. Yance Nunez, a native of San Diego, Calif., re-enlisted during the ceremony.

“I have never seen anything like this before, where the soldier’s and non-commissioned officer’s creed was recited out loud,” said Nunez. Two soldiers from the battalion dressed in full battle gear and spoke the creeds as they walked through the audience.

Nunez said he decided to reenlist for the opportunity to continue to be able to help soldiers in the area of human resources. He also wanted to make an impact in soldiers’ lives so they remember him as an influential leader who has helped their career.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2012
• Date Posted: 03.06.2012 04:45
• Story ID: 84792
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF