FORT SILL, Okla. -- The "Deep Attack" battalion of 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery retained 25 Soldiers Oct. 31, in a mass re-enlistment ceremony at the Army Field Artillery Museum here.
The ceremony was extra special for those involved as the Army recently announced its drawdown plan that focuses on keeping the top Soldiers and parting ways with some whom previously would have the opportunity to reenlist. The new fiscal year brought many changes to the retention program, specifically with budgets, affecting retention greatly.
"As the Army draws down on its manpower and operating expenses, the Army can retain fewer Soldiers on active duty than years past. Luckily for many of these Soldiers today, they were able to make reservations to re-enlist for options under last year's policies," said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph HeffnerSimcik, the battalion's career counselor.
The battalion had 39 Soldiers re-enlist in October, many of whom decided to take part in smaller, more personal ceremonies. HeffnerSimcik said he couldn't be more pleased with the volume and quality of Soldiers retained during the month.
Because of the high volume of re-enlistments that were agreed to, the battalion wanted to make sure it could perform each ceremony without interrupting the training schedule. Each Soldier was given the option to re-enlist at the end of the month with the battalion commander, ensuring it would be one they would remember.
"Due to the overwhelming number of highly qualified and motivated Soldiers with this battalion who made reservations to re-enlist in advance of the fiscal year's policy changes, Soldiers were lining up in front of my office to re-enlist," said HeffnerSimcik. "It was a time management issue. As soon as I finished counseling and explaining to a Soldier their options, another Soldier would be waiting outside my office."
Lt. Col. William Burnett, battalion commander, discussed the uniqueness of the ceremony in his speech, letting the re-enlistees, other Soldiers in attendance and the families know the Army has taken new measures to reach its desired strength, and being able to re-enlist is now greater privilege more than ever.
"Perhaps more than ever, the success of our all-volunteer force requires that we keep the best Soldiers, the most proficient technicians and mature leaders. Not all your peers will have the opportunity to continue serving our nation. We're looking to you as our future leaders who will continue leading our Soldiers now and into future," said Burnett.
Burnett also took time to thank the families for everything they do and the sacrifices they endure.
"For many of you, the decision to re-enlist wasn't made alone. Your families have supported you throughout and along the way, all of you have made your share of sacrifices. In that, the strength of our Soldiers truly is our families," he said.
Sgt. Jonathan Esloon, a Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmember re-enlisting said he joined the Army with intentions of retiring from the Army.
"I am going to stay in as long as I can because I love my job, and I love serving my country," he said.
The re-enlistees ranged in age from 20 to 35. The battalion has shown a strong presence when it comes to retaining Soldiers, proving that the leadership has developed them to reach their next level of performance and the job satisfaction for the Soldiers is very high.
Sgt. Aaron Flagg discussed how re-enlisting offers him the building blocks he needs to become a better person by teaching him the value of hard work and how to work as a team.
"Re-enlisting helps me better myself and better the Army. Being able to do a job that our nation honors and cherishes so much is my favorite part," he said.
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