KILLEEN, Texas - Throughout the week of July 12-16, retention noncommissioned officers from the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and other III Corps units spent their workdays in training to brush up their skills and learn about updates in policies and procedures.Approximately 400 retention NCOs attended the Mobile Retention training, crowding into the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel. They learned about counseling, eligibility, options, bonuses, and other important topics to help run their reenlistment programs more efficiently."We're giving them everything we can to make them stronger and more effective at their jobs," said Staff Sgt. Jason Menocal, III Corps retention NCO. "We're giving them the tools to take better care of the Soldiers."Menocal said that two instructors from the Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, S.C. led the 40-hour training week, which is conducted yearly.Jason Lapin, a retention NCO for 546th Area Support Medical Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th ESC, said he felt very fortunate to participate in the training. A year ago, when he first began the position, he learned by training on the job."I wish this was available when I first started my job," he said. "This really goes into great detail with some important subjects."Lapin said he always had another NCO available to help him with tougher questions, but it was helpful to participate in the training which clarified some finer details for him."This has been very informative," he said. "I think it will help me improve my skills, and it will help me do a better job of helping Soldiers explore their reenlistment options."