Task Force Baghdad tops reenlistment goals

Photo By Capt. Maria Mengrone | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - During a recent visit a Soldier is explained his reenlistment options by Retention Counselor Staff Sgt. Gregory C. Koval, Headquarters and Service Company, 92nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division a native of Arvada, Colo.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.11.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Maria Mengrone

Task Force Baghdad PAO

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Even as they conduct combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, Task Force Baghdad Soldiers continue to reenlist at rates that top previous goals.

So far, about 3,100 Soldiers assigned to Task Force Baghdad have reenlisted this fiscal year, earning a total payout of more than $23 million in tax-free bonuses.

Reenlistments have already exceeded the accumulative reenlistment goal of 2,925 troops, which encompasses the combination of all initial term, mid-career and career Soldiers" reenlistments.

When it comes to facing the inevitable dilemma of staying in the Army or getting out, most Soldiers turn to their career counselors to help them sort out their options.

The counselors primarily serve the Soldiers and are members of the special staff of commanders and command sergeants major.

Task Force Baghdad career counselors have armed thousands of Soldiers with the critical data they need to make well-informed decisions about their future in the Army.

The retention office is staffed with personnel ready to handle queries for all Soldiers, whether active duty, Army Reserve or National Guard.

"No matter what component they're from, if there's any type of retention-related issue or situation here in our battle space, this office is the primary agency that will facilitate the matter," said Sgt. Maj. Craig T. Lott, Multi-National Division--Baghdad retention sergeant major, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.

"Our primary mission when someone walks into our office is to look at their desires first and then we look at what their desires are in conjunction with the Army's needs and then we try to marry up the two," Lott said.

Soldiers considering reenlistment are advised to speak to their career counselor 13 months before their expiration term of service date. In some instances the Army has allowed Soldiers to reenlist up to two years before their ETS.

"There are a lot of variables that go into a reenlistment and a counselor can break down all the variables and answer any concerns they may have," Lott said.

Even though the number of accumulative reenlistments during OIF 3 is promising, Lott believes the mission of retaining Soldiers in the Army is an ever-changing cycle that challenges career counselors and leaders every day.

"I think with a month and a half left in this fiscal year there are many more Soldiers out there that can reenlist," Lott said. "We can be proud of what we have done on one hand. However, to humbly evaluate the situation -- we are not quite done."

National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers make up a substantial portion of the reenlistment totals for Task Force Baghdad, so keeping troops properly informed of all their options is important. Soldiers are warned not to reach final conclusions on reenlistment bonuses or incentives until they speak to a career counselor and their chain of command.

"A lot of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers read what the media puts out about bonuses and incentives, but they need to keep in mind that it may only pertain to active-duty Soldiers," said Master Sgt. Harl A. Marzan, senior retention career counselor, STB, 3rd Inf. Div.

For some, the decision to reenlist is not taken lightly. Especially since there are many factors that can influence their decision to remain a Solider, such as the bonus amount, family security, duty location, promotion potential and many more.

Spc. Shaun M. Cook, petroleum specialist, 4th Platoon, 92nd Engineer Battalion, said he appreciates the advice he's gotten from his counselor.

"I am still weighing my options and still talking to my family about reenlisting, but I am glad my career counselor is always accessible and very interactive," Cook said. "We can approach him and not feel any pressure. I feel reassured because he has all the up-to-date information about what is available to me."

The duty of maintaining a well-staffed Army is not only the mission of career counselors, but also the duty of leaders. Leaders at all levels are instrumental in the entire retention process.

"Soldiers for the most part can see if a leader cares or doesn't," Lott said. "If you wait until the very last minute to show some concern, then they in all probability are not going to stay. But if you show them that you care and you actually take the time to counsel them, then chances are they'll stay."

Summing up the last seven months, Lott said 3rd ID reenlistments have been historical because several have occurred en masse and high-ranking Army and Department of Defense officials have presided over many of the ceremonies.

"It has been very challenging because we are at war and many Soldiers don't know what to expect," Lott said. "It's been a very interesting journey for everyone."

• Date Taken: 09.11.2005
• Date Posted: 09.11.2005 15:11
• Story ID: 2970
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ