JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command named U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin D. Puls, senior career counselor with the 5th Recruiting Brigade at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as the 2015 Career Counselor of the Year in a ceremony at Fort Eustis, Va., Jan. 28, 2016.
Each year, the U.S. Army recognizes the best career counselors in the active duty and Reserve components of the Army through a variety of board appearances, individual qualifications and commanders' evaluations and recommendations.
Career counselors are highly-trained noncommissioned officers who act as subject matter experts on all facets of Army life to include reenlistment, transfer of education benefits and reclassification, according to Sgt. Maj. Cielito Pascual-Jackson, TRADOC's Command Career Counselor.
Puls said the award is a reflection of the Soldiers he has helped during his time as a career counselor.
"Being recognized for this achievement is tremendous, but my focus will always remain on the Soldier," said Puls. "It's the Soldiers I serve that determine how successful I really am. The ability to provide effective counseling as they navigate their careers and accomplish professional goals is its own reward. To be named the TRADOC [CCOY] proves that I'm on the right track when it comes to helping our Soldiers master this profession of arms."
Puls believes that by being in the competition he was able to step out of his comfort zone and grow as a not only a career counselor, but a leader.
Pascual-Jackson also believes competitors should be commended for stepping up, for making a mark and for aspiring others.
"This isn't an easy task. They represent the very best in their operational environment. We also looked at their record of success in managing the retention program, personal innovation in retention, and current fiscal year retention accomplishments. Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of an intelligent effort. This is one of those intelligent efforts."
As Puls moves on to compete at the Headquarters Department of the Army Secretary of the Army CCOY, he wants to leave a piece of advice for those who strive to be the TRADOC CCOYC.
"Don't hesitate to compete. You have an obligation to prove yourself as a Career Counselor and Soldier every day. Be the leader who shows your Soldiers what right looks like and always strives to be a leader of excellence. [Your Soldiers] are counting on you."