Photo By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth | Maj. Mark Gaworski, the chief of 3rd Corps Support Command's Army Reserve affairs...... read more read more
The 3rd Corps Support Command Army Reserve Affairs Office (ARAO) is lending a helping hand to Reservists deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
They are prepared to assist Soldiers and their chain of command with any issue, from helping prepare promotion packets and career counseling to guiding Soldiers through the process to voluntarily extend their tours in Iraq.
"Our primary function in life is to work with reserve-component and Army National Guard Soldiers to deal with and resolve any issue that they may have regarding their mobilization," Maj. Mark Gaworski, the chief of the ARAO, said. "It's all about trying to fix their problem as quickly as possible so that the Soldier knows about the benefits out there for Reserve and National Guard Soldiers during their mobilization."
The ARAO tries to keep a comfortable atmosphere to encourage Soldiers to seek their help.
"Part of our office's secret to success is that we keep a relaxed, low-key environment," Maj. Maureen Nichols, the deputy chief of the ARAO said. "We try to deal with not just their specific S-1 issues, but we try to make sure they're healthy and happy, all the things you"d want your Soldiers to be in country, especially in a time of war."
The ARAO works to resolve all issues presented to them, but when a Soldier needs assistance that's outside of their area of expertise they can refer the Soldier to specific points of contact in the proper organizations.
"We have a good rapport with other agencies. We can get the answers," Nichols said.
Gaworski added, "We can also work with other agencies on a one-on-one basis to resolve specific issues."
The ARAO travels to outlying forward operating bases to provide support to 3rd COSCOM units, but often find other units in need of their assistance.
"Although we are assigned to 3rd COSCOM, we will assist any Reserve or National Guard Soldier," Gaworski said. "We won't turn away anyone."
Voluntary deployment extension is one area of focus for the ARAO.
"Basically, I assist anyone who comes in with any issue they have with promotions or COTTAD [Contingency Operation Temporary Tours of Active Duty]," Master Sgt. Mary Boatright, the NCOIC for the ARAO, said. "I explain to Soldiers what paperwork is required and the timeline to turn it in."
COTTAD is a program that allows Soldiers to voluntarily extend their current tour in Iraq. Soldiers may turn in COTTAD packets as early as they want during their mobilization, however, they must be completed 90 days prior to their current return date.
Gaworski said they are preparing a disc with the necessary forms for COTTAD packets that will be available for unit personnel administrators to assist Soldiers who would like to extend their mobilizations.
"They should be able to work through their chain of command to get the paperwork and submit it, however, we're here to answer all of their questions along the process," Gaworski said.
The disc will also contain information on assisting Soldiers who need to file for their assignment incentive pay (AIP). The special category of pay is available to many Soldiers who have accumulated 24 months of service in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and in some specific cases, Noble Eagle.
Gaworski said there are some limitations on how Soldiers qualify for the $1,000 a month AIP. Soldiers must show they have completed 24 months of service in support of a qualifying operation without using the COTTAD program. Once accepted, the AIP is backdated to the Soldier's 22nd month of service and can continue to be paid through the duration of any COTTAD program time the Soldier chooses to serve.
Explaining the promotion process for mobilized Reservists is another important aspect of the ARAO's mission.
"We help them understand the process of being promoted here in country regardless of the available slots back in the States," Boatright said.
Gaworski said they work mostly with promotions to sergeant and staff sergeant.
"Soldiers should know that they can be promoted with a waiver for Noncommissioned Officers Education System schools," Boatright said. "However, they should also know that they need to complete those schools within 270 days from the end of their mobilization."
Boatright advises Soldiers to work with their chain of command to get their promotion packets ready, but added that the ARAO is happy to work with units to ensure packets are submitted correctly.
"We can provide some career counseling for Soldiers, and I can look at their packet and tell them what they may need to improve in what area and tell them what I know the board is looking for," Boatright said.
The staff of the ARAO said they receive a lot of job satisfaction for the assistance they provide.
"Coming into contact with Soldiers and the feeling that I can do something to help them is the best part of my job," Boatright said.
"I think it's unanimous on that," Gaworski added. "Last year, when the [former staff] left out of here, they had helped over 1,800 Soldiers that had e-mailed, called or walked through the doors. I think we are going to beat that record this year."
Nichols said her favorite part of the job is seeing Soldiers she has helped re-enlist.
"One of the finest parts of our job is we get to administer the oath. We get to see a direct result of what we do and it's a great payoff," Nichols said. "If you take care of your Soldiers, you'll keep them."
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.12.2006 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 5098 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 22 |
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