MCoE & Fort Benning Retention

Last week, the Maneuver Center of Excellence proudly kicked off the FY26 Career Counselor of the Year (CCOY) Competition. The week began with the Army Combat Fitness Test, followed by a demanding written exam and a mystery event designed to challenge each Career Counselor’s technical knowledge and skill set. The competition concluded with a board appearance before a distinguished panel of senior leaders who traveled from across the Army to support and evaluate our competitors.

A sincere thank you to SGM Woodside (8th Army, Korea), SGM Pascual (25th Infantry Division, Hawaii), SGM Wells (III Corps, Fort Hood), and our very own Senior Reserve Component Career Counselor, MSG Bufford, and of course our President of the board SGM France. Thank you for lending your expertise and leadership! The board thoroughly assessed each competitor’s military bearing and mastery of retention knowledge.

The week wrapped up with our first-quarter retention training and holiday celebration, bringing an outstanding event to a close.

Congratulations to the following exceptional Noncommissioned Officers:

• Retention NCO of the Year: SSG Garrett DeLisle, 316th Cavalry Brigade
• Active Component CCOY: SSG Justin Pitts, 199th Infantry "Leader Brigade"
• Reserve Component CCOY: SFC Grant Scoggins
• Senior CCOY: SFC Alisa Licata, 316th Cavalry Brigade

Best of luck to all competitors advancing to the T2COM CCOY competition in January. You represent the Maneuver Center of Excellence with pride and professionalism! 🥇🏆 🫡

Furlough Resources & Support This is a centralized entry to resources at the local, state, and national level that can assist Service Members, federal civilian employees, and Family Members. These resources include: rent, mortgage and utility assistance; food assistance; housing, shelter, clothing, personal, and household items...

That time of year! 💉

🎅 Fort Benning Santa's Castle is here to spread holiday cheer! 🎄

Santa's Castle supports Fort Benning soldiers and families facing financial hardship during the holidays. ❤️

📝 Applications are open now through Nov. 2!
💝 How you can help:
👉 Donate toys or monetary gifts
👉 Volunteer your time

🦌 Save the Date!
Country’s Barbecue Annual Reindeer Run
🗓️ Saturday, Dec. 6
1-Mile Kids Fun Run — proceeds benefit Santa’s Castle!

So every military child can have a Christmas!

Congratulations, SSG Rayala! Indefinite reenlistment complete! 💥
Proudly representing the 194th Armored Brigade — this is what it’s all about: family, commitment, and esprit de corps! 🇺🇸

SGT Farm from the 316th Cavalry Brigade reenlisted for 4 years, with LTC Danko, Commander of 1-16th Cavalry Squadron, administering the oath right on his Command Sergeants Majors desk, CSM Stewart! 🇺🇸
We love seeing our command teams actively supporting Soldiers’ reenlistments and having fun while doing it. 🇺🇸
Congratulations, SGT Farm, on your continued service and best of luck on your next assignment in Germany! 👏

The MCoE Retention team bid farewell to SSG Knight of the 198th Infantry Training Brigade as he prepares to PCS alongside his family. A recent graduate of the Career Counselor Course, SSG Knight now begins an exciting new chapter in his career. We wish him continued success and fulfillment on this path. Wishing safe travels to him and his family! 🇺🇸

Lapse in Appropriations Government Shutdown: What You Need To Know.