CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- The Army Career Counselor Badge is authorized for wear by enlisted service members who hold the career counselor military occupational specialty (MOS's) of '79S, 79T or 79V'. The badge is presented as an army identification badge to all graduates of the nine week Army Career Counselor Course, who subsequently are assigned as career counselors or reenlistment advisors, in the case of the U.S. National Guard. After a twelve month probationary period, the career counselor badge is authorized for permanent wear providing that service as a career counselor was satisfactory and free from disciplinary action or removal for cause. One Soldier from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade lives up to these standards and is up for the challenge of retaining the unit's finest Soldiers.
Staff Sgt. Terence S. Harris, a native of Memphis, Tenn. and the career counselor for the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd CAB, is that Soldier.
Harris joined the Army in 2003 and had already made up his mind to join before he even spoke to a recruiter.
"I wanted to provide a stable environment for my Family and children," Harris said. "I also wanted the chance to serve my country."
When he first enlisted, he started out as a petroleum supply specialist because it came with a bonus and would pay for his student loans. He attended basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. and advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Va.
From 2003-2006 Harris was stationed in Republic of Korea and then moved to Fort Hood, Tx. from 2006-2013 where he was deployed to Iraq on three different occasions. Now he is back in Korea and has been here since 2013.
"Yeah it's kind of crazy and interesting that this is where I started and ended up back here as a career counselor in the exact same battalion," Harris said.
Harris became a career counselor in 2012 to further his career progression and he said he really loves helping Soldiers.
"This is the best job in the Army," Harris said. "I get to take care of Soldiers at every level."
The 2nd CAB retention office is held to a high standard and they deliver. For the first and second quarter this fiscal year their office was the first brigade in the division to meet their mission.
"This lets division know that we are keeping good quality Soldiers in the Army," Harris said.
Outside of retention, Harris said he loves to volunteer with his son's tee-ball team as the assistant coach, he is active with his church and his Family loves to travel here in Korea.
Finishing his bachelor's degree and starting his master's is one of his goals while in the Army, but also to keep retaining and helping outstanding Soldiers while maintaining the standard of an Army career counselor.
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