FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS---On Jan. 4-5, the best of the best Career Counselors from across the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) converged on Fort Sam Houston to compete in the fiscal year 16 Career Counselor of the Year Board. This board, unlike others, was a test of every aspect of the basic competencies of being a Career Counselor.
Sgt. 1st Class Ronell Anthony, from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas, representing Regional Health Command- Central (Provisional), was named the MEDCOM Career Counselor of the Year, with Staff Sgt. Phylise Harp, from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, Ky., representing Regional Health Command- Atlantic (Provisional), as the runner-up.
"This was a great experience with extremely tough competition," said Anthony. "The board was a true test of my presence, character and intellect. I look forward to representing MEDCOM at the DA board."
The two day competition started off with an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), then an academic exam, and finally a selection board to present themselves in front of MEDCOM senior enlisted leaders. The board judged the contenders on appearance, poise and knowledge related to their important job of keeping good Soldiers in the Army.
Career Counselors are noncommissioned officers and are usually assigned at battalion levels or above. Career Counselors advice commanders and command sergeants major about the organizations Army Retention Program and advice Soldiers and their Families about the benefits and opportunities the Army as a career has to offer. Career Counselors are subject matter experts in reenlistment, education benefits and reclassification.
Anthony will go on to face the Secretary of the Army board in February 2016.
[Sgt. 1st Class Glenn Grabs contributed to this article]
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