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COLUMBIA. S.C. - Personnel are the most valuable resource for any organization. For the military, the amount of time and money spent training a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine, makes them not only critical assets for a unit, but for the nation. So, when National Guard units are faced with retaining qualified service members, it poses a deep concern because these individuals provide invaluable support to both the state during time of disaster and the nation during deployments overseas.
To ensure individuals who are at the reenlistment point in their National Guard careers are fully aware of what they may be leaving if they do not decide to remain in service, the South Carolina Army National Guard held a “Cross-Roads” symposium over drill weekend at the Adjutant General’s building in Columbia, S.C., March 5, 2016.
Operation Crossroads is a one-day event designed to retain qualified Soldiers who are undecided or have decided to leave the military. This is accomplished through a series of briefings that cover military benefits, including medical, retirement and education, as well as provides a forum for open dialogue if there are other issues the individuals would like to share about their experiences in service.
The Adjutant General for South Carolina, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., welcomed the fourteen Soldiers who attended.
“I want to first thank you all for what you’ve done in service to your state and nation to this point in your career,” said Livingston. “The Reserves and National Guard are occupying a very important role in history right now and you are a part of that.”
Livingston went on to tell his story of 37 years of military service about why he decided to join the Guard and why he stayed.
“I was a member of a volunteer fire department in college and never really thought of the military,” said Livingston. “As I was getting closer to graduation, I thought about how I could continue to serve people and stay on my civilian career path. The National Guard became my answer.”
Livingston shared his personal challenges as a Soldier with the group, about the balance between the commitments of the National Guard, family life, and his civilian career over the years. He told them that a turning point in his decision to stay was when he saw the positive impacts his service had on his family, in that they grew to understand the tremendous importance of their sacrifice and what it meant to other people.
“Almost daily, I get stopped and thanked by so many of our great citizens who truly appreciate what you do in the National Guard,” said Livingston. “If you think about what you cherish as you get to my age, you start asking yourself what difference did I make. The National Guard gives you that venue to make a difference.”
Other leaders joined Livingston to share their stories of service, including the State Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Brickley, Deputy Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Van McCarty, State Command Chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kent Puffenbarger, and Chief of Staff, Col. Ronnie Finley.
Brickley talked about the retirement benefits, Puffenbarger talked about warrant officer opportunities if they choose to reenlist, McCarty talked about the gratitude the organization has for their service, and Finley talked about the historic significance of military service.
"When you look at the U.S. Army flag, you see battle streamers, which signify when people left home and everything they loved,” said Finley. “You too are a part of that sacrifice that goes back centuries. Each of you has your hand prints on this organization.”
Following the introductions, Soldiers received a review of their records to ensure they were fully aware of their entitlements and benefits. A career counselor also reviewed possibilities available if they choose to continue their career with the South Carolina National Guard.
“Several other states have had success in retaining Soldiers that are undecided or have decided to ETS,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Fryman, deputy G1 of the South Carolina National Guard. “This month we are bringing in Soldiers during the last quarter of their enlistment to see if we can keep them from leaving. We want to educate these valuable Soldiers and let them know what they will be missing if they leave the South
Carolina National Guard.”
The March event is the first for South Carolina. Operation Crossroads will continue through the last month of every quarter of the year.
Of the fourteen Soldiers who attended the Cross Roads, five chose to reenlist after the symposium. When asked what was a decision point in deciding to remain in service, a change in Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that was better suited to their civilian
goals was a key factor.
“I was in field artillery, but have a desire to go into law enforcement,” said Spc. Robert Harvel. “Having the chance to join military police was important to me.”
Another Soldier who chose to reenlist is Spc. Erica Dooley, who was previously in transportation as an 88M (motor transport operator) MOS. “The warrant officer opportunities in human resources were what made me decide to reenlist,” said Dooley.
According to surveys taken by each Soldier who attended, the feedback was unanimous that they are all proud of their service, even if they chose not to remain in the military.
Livingston shook the hand of every Soldier who attended and thanked them for their service in the National Guard before the symposium concluded.
“Regardless if our Soldiers decide to reenlist or move on to other opportunities, we are grateful for their service and hope they will continue the tradition of service in other capacities,” said Livingston.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.07.2016 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 191385 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 413 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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