Five noncommissioned officers competed in the Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE) Career Counselor of the Year competition Jul. 16-17 here.
The two-day competition determined which NCOs will compete for command honors in September.
At its conclusion, Sgts. 1st Class Lesa Worrell and Rudregus Davis won in the Reserve component and tenant unit categories.
Worrell, Headquarters Detachment, FCoE; and an Army reservist, will compete in September at Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
"I am honored to serve as an Army career counselor helping active-duty Soldiers prepare for life as a civilian and continued service in the Army Reserve or National Guard," she said. "I take great pride in my job and my ability to guide Soldiers as they transition out of the active-duty force."
Worrell said the competition was a great test of endurance and job knowledge.
"I take pride in knowing my efforts to stay efficient in my duties have paid off. I am challenged to remain focused as I go on to compete in at TRADOC," she said.
Davis, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, topped out as the best tenant unit counselor. He moves on to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command competition in November at Fort Bliss, Texas.
"Winning this board gave me a great sense of accomplishment as I've competed several times but always ended up as a runner-up," said Davis.
He spoke of how those losses helped make a difference this time around. Davis credited his perseverance and tenacity to keep trying , and learning from past competitions as self-confidence builders for this year's event.
Three primary events separated the winner form the also-rans. The competition consisted of the Army Physical Fitness Test, a timed 50-question written exam, and wrapped up with a formal board. It included scenario-based questions about regulatory guidance, retention policy, special programs, mission, incentives and current events.
Like many events the Army holds to determine the best, the career counselors who vied for top honors carry that trait of wanting to perform well under pressure. Furthering that concept, most took the initiative to volunteer to compete adding another level of distinction from their peers.
Also, while being named the best is gratifying, the competition builds on the professional development of career counselors as they progress through the ranks.
As the Army continues its drawdown, sharp, motivated counselors will remain a vital contributor to their unit's retention mission.
Davis said the position comes with some difficulties, especially with the state of affairs in the Army these days.
"One of the biggest challenges I face is the current operational tempo in regard to ADA Soldiers and their mission. ADA Soldiers are constantly being deployed across multiple theaters of operations to execute a vital mission for the Army. So retaining Soldiers who are ultimately faced with deployments is challenging," he said.
Career counselors help Soldiers by providing trusted and sage advice about their futures. Career opportunities vary not only across military occupation specialties (MOS), but are also influenced by Soldiers' qualifications, grade, time in service, assignments and training opportunities.
Ultimately, Human Resources Command determines the number of positions by MOS and the availability of these slots.
Along with catering to the needs of Soldiers, counselors serve as special staff advisers to command teams regarding retention matters, career development, separations and management.
Davis' background aids his efforts counseling Soldiers on career decisions.
He served as a human resources specialist for 10 years and later worked in recruiting command to gain that perspective.
"It opened my eyes as to how we recruited Soldiers to fill the work force of the Army and how we were responsible for a very crucial piece of the Army 'pie,'" said Davis.
(Capt. Corey Robertson, 31st ADA Brigade public affairs officer contributed to this article.)
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