FORT BRAGG, N.C. – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Samantha Block, a career counselor assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, took the title of the division’s Career Counselor of the Year on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Nov. 7, 2019.
The Secretary of the Army’s Career Counselor and Reserve Component Career Counselor of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding career counselors for achievement in support of the retention effort and outstanding personal qualities.
Career counselors work with Soldiers on their retention, reenlistment and reclassification process. During a Soldier’s reenlistment window, a counselor presents them with their available options, whether they decide to remain active duty, go reserve or reclassify into a different job function.
Paratroopers who are eligible to compete must be in the rank of sergeant to sergeant first class and have successfully performed duties in the military as a career counselor for at least nine months.
To win, competitors must accrue the highest cumulative score in three events. Competitors must appear before a board of senior noncommissioned officers who test their retention knowledge and skills, complete the Army Physical Fitness Test, and answer a 50-question written exam. In addition to the three events, competitors must submit a packet that describes their goals and accomplishments.
“Receiving this award feels amazing for me; it is a big accomplishment,” said Block. “This is my first time competing and my goal is to win the [U.S. Army Forces Command] competition in the future.”
The competition exemplifies hard work and dedication amongst the division’s support team when it comes to retention and guiding soldiers in their Army career.
“If you are a young noncommissioned officer looking to compete, make it happen!” said Block. “Be confident in yourself and try. You have nothing to lose. Just do it!”