Bronco Platoon Sergeants Fight Together, Reenlist Together

Photo By Spc. Benjamin Anderson | U.S. Army Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Mill and Sgt. 1st Class Ivan Gutierrez assigned to 2nd Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division pose on top of a CH-47 Chinook after their reenlistment ceremony on Schofield Barracks Jan. 19, 2024. This final reenlistment ceremony is a significant trail-marker on their way to a full Army career. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Benjamin Anderson, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team)  

HI, UNITED STATES

02.06.2024

Story by 1st Lt. Jordan Balzano 

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

On a sunny Friday afternoon, 3,000 feet above the Hawaiian coastline, two platoon sergeants from the Comanche Company, 2nd Infantry 27th Battalion Wolfhounds, took their final oath of enlistment. Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Mills and Sgt. 1st Class Ivan Gutierrez completed this career milestone with support from their Company Headquarters, Capt. Dan Lupacchino and 1st Sgt. Alex Sturm. The ceremony occurred in the back of a CH-47 Chinook tandem rotor helicopter courtesy of call-sign ‘Hillclimbers’ of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.

While this isn't the first time these two noncommissioned officers have repeated the oath of enlistment, the time-honored tradition of an indefinite reenlistment represents their commitment to country and selfless service. It serves as a significant trail marker on their way to retirement.

A short speech by their commander preceded the ceremony. Capt. Lupacchino touched on the two NCO’s dedication to duty and steadfast support of the Company's mission. “It’s an honor for all present to share the moment these two excellent Platoon Sergeants reenlist indefinitely,” Lupacchino said. “Their unwavering dedication, leadership, and expertise have not only strengthened our ranks, but inspired them for continued service as well.”

As they stood on the tarmac following the ceremony, Mills looked back at what he enjoys about the profession of arms most: working with Soldiers. “It’s all about the Soldiers,” Mills said. “Guiding them through a battle drill or a piece of equipment, then watching them have a lightbulb moment and understand what you're teaching is one of the highlights of my job."

This mindset has paid dividends for the Soldiers of Comanche Company.

Gutierrez and Mills train and account for around 30 Soldiers each as they conduct drills and physical fitness to maintain a combat-ready force. "It's important to me that I can show these guys what right looks like," Gutierrez said. "While leading from the front, I keep a high standard of fitness, which inspires discipline in First Platoon."

When asked about a particularly tough experience they endured together, the pair both referenced the recent Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Rotation 24-01 in November 2023. Their dismounted platoons were responsible for conducting rapid and synchronized attacks, establishing defensive positions, and participating in company-sized raids to seize key terrain. This 10-day operation occurred in multiple training areas across the Hawaiian Islands, including the Kahuku Training Area, Dillingham Army Airfield, and the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii. As the decisive operation in multiple missions, the Platoons were pushed to their limits and came out the other end of training better for it.

Mills and Gutierrez enjoyed the rest of the day with their families before returning to the grind of maintaining a combat-credible platoon.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2024
• Date Posted: 02.07.2024 21:38
• Story ID: 463362
• Location: HI, US