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SMA Retention Competition

By Jacob ConnorfoertschNovember 24, 2020

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Army career counselors are making a difference across the force every day through Soldier retention and the best-of-the-best were recognized by the Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston, during a small ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, November 19, 2020.

Grinston challenged the Army career counselors early in the year knowing the challenges of not being able to talk with Soldiers face to face.

Throughout this past year the counselors were tested with the fires in California, a global virus pandemic, rioting around the United States and severe weather storms effecting people around the globe. These obstacles could’ve have taken out even the best, but Army career counselors made achieving their goals of retaining great Soldiers look easy.

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presents Retention Awards to Noncommissioned Officers during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina November 19, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presents Retention Awards to Noncommissioned Officers during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina November 19, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presents Retention Awards to Noncommissioned Officers during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina November 19, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presents Retention Awards to Noncommissioned Officers during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina November 19, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presents Retention Awards to Noncommissioned Officers during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina November 19, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presents Retention Awards to Noncommissioned Officers during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina November 19, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

“With all the changes and extreme challenges the nation has faced throughout this past, the career counselors took my challenge and far exceeded what was asked of them,” said Grinston.

The two teams who beat out the rest of the competition winning the SMA Retention Competition were, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and 1st Cavalry Division.

“I really appreciate all the work and know you will continue doing great work and carry on the efforts you all put in every day,” said Grinston. “Without your teams and the teams around our force retaining the best, our Army would not be able to do what we do, thank you.”

Earlier this year the Secretary of the Army, Ryan D. McCarthy stated, “Just as we did with readiness, we must invest in people."

Army career counselors are living up to the standard. They adjusted the way they do business and figured out a way to identify the Soldiers needs to help the brave men and women who don the uniform in defense of the citizens of the United States.

Army career counselors are entrusted with guiding Soldiers in their lives and careers, and are staying focused on the Army’s top priority… its people.