Photo By 1st Lt. Marcus Matthews-Marion | Sgt. Zach Linn of the 300th Sustainment Brigade and 4th Sustainment Command...... read more read more
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GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Another pair of Non-Commissioned Officers just re-enlisted and will be in the Army family for an untold amount of time.
U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Paul Francis and Sgt. Zach Linn signed re-enlistment contracts on Thursday at the Reserve Military Complex. Francis’ oath of enlistment was administered by Capt. Michael McClain and Linn’s was given by Capt. Robert Miller.
Francis, an 18-year Soldier with 15 years of active-duty military experience, has served the U.S. Army in the cook and signals realms for his entire career. Linn, who has been in signals and administrative organizations, as well as operated as a petroleum specialist, has been in the military for nearly 16 years.
Upon transitioning into a reserve role, Francis rejoined the Signal Corps and stepped into a vital position within the 300th Sustainment Brigade and the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
“If you’re an E6 (Staff Sgt.) with 12 or more years, it’s now a requirement to sign an indefinite contract,” said Master Sgt. Petrina McMillian, the resident careers supervisor representing the 12th Battalion Area 5 Army Reserve Careers Division. “There is a suspension of maximum years of service for the [rank] that allows a Soldier to stay in until age 60, which is retirement pay age for reserve Soldiers.”
McMillian said — including Francis’ — she’s seen hundreds of indefinite contracts in about 25 years of service and 17 as a career counselor. Despite the recent requirement, she added, in the past, it was common for Soldiers to choose the indefinite route.
“If you’re not bonus eligible, the indefinite route allows you not to have to do a re-enlistment ceremony every year,” McMillian continued. “Honestly, it's easier.”
The Indefinite Reenlistment Program is a re-designated initiative for Soldiers made effective Oct. 1, 2016, and made a reality through Army Directive 2016-19.
The two non-commissioned officers were able to “Re-Up” — a common term associated with re-enlistment — and cement their careers in the armed forces. Francis gained a rare signing bonus despite the IRP.
The 300th Sustainment Brigade is a part of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The command is made up of Soldiers, civilians and their families in units headquartered throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. As part of America’s Army Reserve, these units are trained, combat-ready and equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the globe.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2018 11:00 |
| Story ID: | 290338 |
| Location: | GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 384 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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