"We are the only division in Forces Command to complete mission in all categories", said the 3rd Infantry Division command career counselor.

That's quite an accomplishment for the Marne Division, especially during a time when the Army is slated to lose more than 18,000 soldiers.

The Marne Division exceeded all mission requirements for initial, mid-career and career re-enlistments for fiscal years 2015 and 2016. The only other unit in the Army to complete this feat was the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea.

"Leaders taking an active approach to ensure soldiers and families were informed about their career opportunities and benefits were a major factor in the success of the 3rd ID retention performances," said Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Grimes, 3rd ID command career counselor.

"We will continue to meet our quarterly retention goals and continue to set the standards for all programs to follow."

Leading the pack for 3rd ID re-enlistments for fiscal year 2015 were soldiers from the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, with a rate of 200%. The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade led the way for fiscal year 2016 with a rate of 157%.

"Soldiers in 3rd CAB elect to stabilize if they have the option. Who doesn't want to live in sunny Savannah, Ga.?" said Staff Sgt. Craig Anderson, 4th Battalion 3rd Aviation Regiment career counselor.

"We hit the ground running, got out the office and talked to our soldiers. That's why we made mission first," said Staff Sgt. Vivorina Frazier, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment career counselor.

The Army retention program that opened last October included some new rules and five re-enlistment options for qualified soldiers who would end their time in service by Sept 30. This revision guaranteed eligible soldiers an overseas or stateside assignment as well as new Selective Re-enlistment Bonus options. Another change was to allow personnel officials to make reassignment and career management decisions based on the near real-time specialty and rank composition of the enlisted force.

"Retention restrictions are used to shape the force for future requirements, but even with the restrictions, a well informed soldier can continue their career in the Army," Grimes said. "Career counselors keeping up with the constant changes with the retention program, and keeping our leadership informed [as well as] conducting proper counseling sessions and following up with soldiers is the reason our retention team was able to complete mission in every category.

"We have some dedicated career counselors that refuse to fail."

Soldiers' re-enlistment options are based off the strength of their primary military occupational specialty Grimes said. Not all soldiers are offered every option and currently, many MOSs are over strength which further limits their re-enlistment chances. But once a soldier is made aware of what is available to them, they are able to make the best choice for them and their family.

"Career counselors serve as the technical experts and advisors for the Army Retention Program. We assist Soldiers and their families with defining and achieving the goals they set for themselves while serving in the military," Grimes said.

Soldiers currently considering continuing their military career should set up an appointment with their unit retention NCO. The re-enlistment incentive for 3rd ID is a 4-day pass but commanders have the option to use other incentives at the unit level.

Editor's note: Information used in this article gleaned from various websites and publications.