FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson is tops among TRADOC when it comes to retaining Soldiers.
The installation led the command in fiscal year 2010 for Category III, re-enlisting 406 Soldiers and surpassing its mission goal of 318 to win TRADOC's Top Producer Award. Numbers were released during the Commanding General's Retention Luncheon Friday at the Officers' Club.
"We all did so well that we had to slow down re-enlistment in the summer," said Sgt. Maj. Jacqueline Lloyd, U.S. Army Training Center career counselor. "Every brigade has had a hand in earning this award. It was a collective effort on every brigade's part."
The installation, which hasn't won the award in more than four years, met its retention goals in all categories.
"It is impressive we met these numbers because (Soldiers) know when they re-enlist, they will go back into the fight," Lloyd said. "Soldiers re-enlist because of patriotism and because their career counselors have effectively counseled them and their families to ensure they made informed decisions concerning their careers."
The 171st Infantry Brigade led the installation in re-enlistment and was recognized as Fort Jackson's top producer. The Blackhawks exceeded their re-enlistment goal by 142 percent.
"I attribute our success to the command climate. It is outstanding," said Master Sgt. David Shannon, senior career counselor for the 171st Infantry Brigade. "Our Soldiers are re-enlisting because of their job satisfaction, camaraderie among their peers, an outstanding benefits package and, of course, guaranteed employment."
The Blackhawks have won the award for four consecutive years.
"We are not as concerned about stats as we are taking care of Soldiers and meeting their needs," Shannon said. "We treat Soldiers as individuals, not numbers."
The 165th Infantry Brigade placed second in retention on the installation at 125 percent, and the 193rd Infantry Brigade placed third at 124 percent.
Eighteen Soldiers re-enlisted during the luncheon, including Spc. Thalia Johnson, an assistant in the Drill Sergeant School personnel office.
"I was due to ETS next year and I decided to re-enlist because the Army provides so well for my family," Johnson said. "Plus, I love my job so much as an S1."
Maj. Gen. James Milano, Fort Jackson commanding general, led the re-enlistment ceremony.
"They have about 120 years of experience that we are keeping in the Army," Milano said. "The Army Chief of Staff's No. 1 objective is to preserve the all-volunteer force. It is vitally important that we retain good, quality people in the Army. Nobody does that better in TRADOC than Fort Jackson."
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