DVIDS – News – 1st Armored Division holds annual career counselor of the year competition

FORT BLISS, Texas — Noncommissioned officers from multiple brigades and companies across the 1st Armored Division competed in the annual Career Counselor of the Year Competition Dec. 3-4.

The competition is a multi-event challenge designed to test competitors’ physical readiness, professional knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the Army’s retention mission.

The competition began with the Army Fitness Test, measuring physical fitness, a basic requirement for all Soldiers. Participants also completed a written exam covering regulations, retention policies, counseling procedures, and administrative processes. The exam evaluated mastery of the technical knowledge required to sustain Army readiness through effective retention practices

“The competition is a good way to get a guideline on how people are doing in the field,” said Staff Sgt. Colby Kolath, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

A “Retention Excellence Award in Leadership” mystery event introduced an additional challenge, requiring competitors to demonstrate adaptability, communication, and leadership in real time. The scenario was not revealed until the event began, evaluating participants’ ability to lead and problem-solve under pressure.

The culminating event was the Career Counselor of the Year board, where competitors appeared before a panel of a panel of senior non-commissioned officers. Participants answered questions on the role of the career counselor, the importance of retaining trained and motivated Soldiers, and their personal motivation for serving in the retention field. The board evaluated professionalism, confidence, and passion for mentorship, in addition to factual knowledge.

Competitors also recited portions of the NCO Creed and Career Counselor Creed, testing their memory and reinforcing the values that guide Army leaders and members of the retention career field.

“I think the competition was well organized, and competitors had a lot of opportunities to get training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Loukitchar Jeremy, a recruiting and retention NCO within the 1st Armored Division.

The goal of the competition is to recognize excellence while elevating standards within the profession. Career counselors play a critical role in shaping the Army’s future force by advising Soldiers on reenlistment options, education benefits, career progression, and transition programs.

“The importance of the competition is for the counselors to show their knowledge and represent their units to the best of their abilities, because they have the opportunity to compete at the Department of the Army level,” said Sgt. Maj. Adon Torres, a board member from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Armored Division.

As the Army evolves to meet future requirements, career counselors remain vital to retaining skilled Soldiers and sustaining a capable force. The competition not only recognizes exceptional performance but also reinforces the importance of leadership, character, and technical expertise across the retention community.

The following Soldiers earned the winning titles in four categories:

1st Armored Division Retention NCO of the Year – Sgt. Tommy Tran\, a power generation equipment repairer assigned to the 2nd Battalion\, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment\, Division Artillery

1st Armored Division Active-Duty Counselor of the Year – Staff Sgt. Benjamin Miller\, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team

1st Armored Division Reserve Component Counselor of the Year – Sgt. 1st Class Loukitchar Jeremy\, a recruiting and retention NCO in the Army National Guard assigned to 1st Armored Division

Senior Counselor of the Year – Sgt. 1st Class Julio Valez\, assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team\, 1st Armored Division

The winners will go on to represent the 1st Armored Division in higher-echelon Army competitions.