One hundred and three Soldiers from across the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, took the oath of enlistment to continue their military service at the Nation Training Center at Fort Irwin, Ca., Feb. 23. 

The ceremony took place at the famous Painted Rocks a couple of days after the Raider Brigade’s training rotation at NTC. Painted Rocks are located just outside the main entrance of NTC and is a cluster of boulders with the crests of units painted on them. This stands as symbol that these units have completed training rotations through one of the toughest combat training centers in the U.S.

Col. Trent Upton, commander of 1ABCT, 3ID, presided over the ceremony as the reenlisting officer.

“The three things I love most about my job is promoting, awarding, and reenlisting soldiers,” said Upton. “I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to reenlist these 103 Soldiers, and without a doubt, the Raider Brigade has some of the finest Soldiers in our Army. I am proud to see them volunteer to continue their service in our organization and the U.S. Army.”

It goes without saying, watching 103 soldiers raise their right hand and choose to serve their nation for another term is nothing short of amazing, said Master Sgt. Augusto Bernard,  1ABCT’s senior career counselor. Making such an important decision is no easy task. 

“I am extremely proud and humbled to have the chance to be a part of this incredible event,” said Bernard. “It has been an absolutely amazing experience assisting these warriors and witnessing them reaffirm their commitment to this great nation, while currently serving in this incredible organization.”

These 103 soldiers will continue their serve to our Nation and continue to support contingency operations and missions around the world.