Gregg A. Bliss

Gregg Bliss, branch chief for the National Guard Bureau recruit sustainment program.Of those, National Guard leaders hope to see as many as 1,400 return to the Guard, he said.

"A lot of soldiers like the opportunity to serve their nation and come back and serve their community, as well.We think we're offering them both options in a manner that really benefits them," Bliss said.

Most initial active-duty enlistments are followed by a remaining service obligation in the Individual Ready Reserve.
...
Bliss said the Guard always has provided soldiers to the active component, allowing them to be discharged for enlistment into active duty.But this program puts in place a process for returning those soldiers to the Guard.

"All we're doing is formalizing the process, not only to team more effectively with the Army, but to also take care of these soldiers a little bit better, as well," Bliss said.

Gregg Bliss, branch chief for the National Guard Bureau recruit sustainment program.Of those, National Guard leaders hope to see as many as 1,400 return to the Guard, he said.

"A lot of soldiers like the opportunity to serve their nation and come back and serve their community, as well.We think we're offering them both options in a manner that really benefits them," Bliss said.

Most initial active-duty enlistments are followed by a remaining service obligation in the Individual Ready Reserve.
...
In addition, recruiting officials hope the Guard-turned-active-duty soldiers will promote the National Guard during their active service and persuade more prior-service soldiers to sign-up once their initial enlistments are finished, Bliss said.

"It spreads our good news story that Guard soldiers support their community and support their nation.We think for all parties -- the Army, the National Guard and the soldier -- it's a very positive opportunity," he said.

Traditionally, many active-duty soldiers have transitioned into the Guard after finishing their enlistments.
...
Bliss said the Guard always has provided soldiers to the active component, allowing them to be discharged for enlistment into active duty.But this program puts in place a process for returning those soldiers to the Guard.

"All we're doing is formalizing the process, not only to team more effectively with the Army, but to also take care of these soldiers a little bit better, as well," Bliss said.

~LTC Gregg A. Bliss, National Guard Bureau, Retention Branch Chief

Gregg Bliss, branch chief for the National Guard Bureau recruit sustainment program, in a statement."We think we're offering them both options in a manner that really benefits them."

The Army National Guard has had difficulties since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began.Officials say the target is to recruit into the program as many as 2,000 soldiers this year with as many as 1,400 later returning to the Guard.

"It spreads our good news story that Guard soldiers support their community and support their nation," Bliss said.

Gregg Bliss, chief of retention for the Army National Guard, said the survey results were not unexpected because of the extraordinary demands on many Guard troops.But Bliss says he believes many who say they are leaving will choose to stick around once they have had time with their families.

The results are nonetheless raising concerns, given the strains on Guard and Reserve troops and widespread fears that part-time soldiers are being relied on too much in the war on terrorism.

Gregg A. Bliss, a recruiting and retention specialist with the National Guard Bureau.

"The intent of this video is to address fear-of-the-unknown issues and assist in the indoctrination of these soldiers," Bliss said.

Army National Guard recruits are required to participate in a recruit sustainment program, known by the acronym RSP, before they depart for basic training, Bliss said.The program consists of monthly meetings designed to help prepare recruits for the mental and physical challenges ahead.

"When they go to basic training we've addressed some of their expectations," Bliss explained."And, ideally, they feel very comfortable with what awaits them, and they're ready to perform and excel."

Bliss and fellow Guard officer Capt. Scott V. Savage accepted the Production of the Year crystalline trophy.
...
Bliss and Savage each accepted one statuette for the Guard's 1st-place win that recognized the command that produced the video, as well as the higher headquarters that sponsored it.

Gregg Bliss and Maj.
...
Bliss is chief of the Retention Branch for the Army Guard.
...
"Historically, we have retained 80 percent of our careerists and 65 percent of our obligors," Bliss reported.

He cited other factors that are also working in the Army Guard's favor.

The number of recruiters has been increased from 2,700 to 4,100.
...
"It helps with retention to identify and do something about the factors that keep people from reenlisting," Bliss said.

"We've gotten a lot smarter about keeping Soldiers," he added.

Gregg Bliss and Maj.
...
Bliss is chief of the Retention Branch for the Army Guard.
...
"Historically, we have retained 80 percent of our careerists and 65 percent of our obligors," Bliss reported.

He cited other factors that are also working in the Army Guard's favor.

The number of recruiters has been increased from 2,700 to 4,100.
...
"It helps with retention to identify and do something about the factors that keep people from reenlisting," Bliss said.

"We've gotten a lot smarter about keeping Soldiers," he added.

Gregg Bliss, chief of retention for the Army National Guard, said the survey results were not unexpected because of the extraordinary demands on many Guard troops.But Bliss says he believes many who say they are leaving will choose to stick around once they have had time with their families.The results are nonetheless raising concerns, given the strains on Guard and Reserve troops and widespread fears that part-time soldiers are being relied on too much in the war on terrorism.