WASHINGTON (Nov. 4, 2013) -- Thirteen Career Counselors from the National Capital Region gathered for a 'meet and greet' with Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters -- National Capital Region /U.S. Army Military District of Washington commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull, JFHQ-NCR/MDW command sergeant major, to exchange ideas and strategies regarding retention for the fiscal year 2014 at Fort Lesley J. McNair.
Career Counselors are the subject matter experts on all aspects of Army life, which include but not limited to reenlistment, reserve component, transfer of education benefits, and reclassification.
"The JFHQ-NCR/MDW Career Counselors meeting with command senior leadership is important to their daily mission," said Sgt. Maj. Willene Orr, JFHQ-NCR/MDW command career counselor. "I feel that it is important for them to know what their leader's focus is regarding retention of our Soldiers and transitioning out of the Army."
"Whether a Soldier wants to reenlist or transitions out of the military, our Career Counselors try to make a positive impact on the individual," said Turnbull. "Engaging them early affords Soldiers ample time to make a well thought out decision for them and their families."
Career Counselors function as the advisors on behalf of commanders and the Department of the Army through the Army Retention Program. All Soldiers have a Career Counselor available to them and can usually be found at the battalion levels and above.
"It's up to our Career Counselors to find those Soldiers and engage them early," said Turnbull. "Most importantly, it's about reenlisting qualified Soldiers, help transition those Soldiers who want to enter into the Reserve Component, and providing the necessary support to those Soldiers transitioning out of the Army."
"Retention has shifted, and our goal as Career Counselors is to have an optimistic affect for the Army, the unit, and the Soldier," said Orr. "I think it's great to have both the leaders and counselors together to exchange ideas within the command."
Related Links:
Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington
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