Career counselor advises troops

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ange Desinor | Sgt. 1st Class Leeallan Magrata, career counselor, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, talks to Spc. Patrick Mclean, a combat engineer for Bravo Company, 588th BEB, 3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div. about reenlisting, at Fort Carson, Colorado, Feb. 27, 2018. Patrick is reenlisted to change his military occupation from a combat engineer to an infantryman. Magrata works diligently to meet the Soldiers desires and needs, ensuring Soldiers are satisfied with their decision to continue their career in the Army. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs)  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

02.28.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor  

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

FORT CARSON, Colorado – Oftentimes when Soldiers are eligible for re-enlistment, they are unsure of what to do. They struggle with the decision to continue a career in the military or transition to the civilian sector.

The feeling can be overwhelming and troops usually need guidance to make the best decision for their career path.

Sgt. 1st Class Leeallan Magrata, career counselor, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides that guidance.

“I manage the commander’s retention program, which is to retain Soldiers on a long-term basis and retain sufficient numbers of highly qualified active Soldiers, in order to support end strength and readiness requirements,” said Magrata. “I talk to Soldiers and advise them on a decision based on their needs and desires, which may include transitioning to the Army Reserve or training for a new military specialty.”

Magrata works diligently to meet Soldiers’ desires and needs, ensuring they are satisfied with the decision to continue a career in the Army.

“Retaining the best Soldiers and ensuring they are happy with their choices really helps us out,” said 1st Sgt. Adam Vandewalle, Company B, 588th BEB. “I’m impressed with how meticulous and dedicated Magrata (is at) retaining our Soldiers.”

Re-enlistment bonuses and choice of duty stations are requests Magrata works to fulfill on a day-to-day basis.

“Being a career counselor is a lot of work,” said Magrata. “A lot of the Soldiers are very thankful I can get what they asked for, as far as their duty station of choice. I’m very passionate about helping Soldiers, especially when I am able to help Soldiers achieve their goals.”

Magrata’s day usually consists of talking to Soldiers and influencing their views on the importance of the Army.

“I try to stay out of my office as much as possible and get to know the Soldiers,” said Magrata. “Not only as a career counselor, but as a leader. I talk to everyone about the Army and educate them on why Army retention is very important.”

Magrata not only helps Soldiers eligible for re-enlistment, but also company leadership.

“It’s very rewarding when you have a career counselor in your formation who works hard at ensuring Soldiers are well taken care of,” said Vandewalle.

Spc. Patrick Mclean, Company B, 588th BEB, said he appreciated Magrata’s assistance.

“I am reclassing from a combat engineer to an infantryman,” said Mclean. “I am happy I get to explore other career opportunities in the Army. Magrata gets the job done and goes above and beyond.”

• Date Taken: 02.28.2018
• Date Posted: 03.09.2018 12:21
• Story ID: 268810
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US