Let me share with you some ideas for retaining soldiers. These ideas show a caring leadership environment. Unit leaders can use them to turn ordinary soldiers into extraordinary soldiers and to retain a quality force. They are designed to help leaders keep quality people-those who make a positive difference in mission execution. Use them to help create and maintain an environment in your unit where people want to be, in contrast to a place where they are obliged to be.
Sponsorship is the first step in making a new soldier part of the team.
The initial treatment that a new soldier receives upon arrival leaves a lasting impression of the unit. It is important for soldiers to understand them. When the mission statement paints a positive picture, it's amazing how sharing the vision enhances commitment, retention, and quality performance. Some may guess. Some may know.