The Journal

Issue date: 10/13/05 Section: News

McGill

Sgt. Bryan McGill, a 31-year-old broadcast journalism major, decided to go back into the service after a two-year hiatus.

McGill, who plans to graduate from Webster by May 2007, missed the military life and decided to enlist in the Missouri National Guard.

"I enlisted in the Guard because I had an itch to get back into the military, McGill said. "I really missed the camaraderie."

McGill is the administrative assistant for the Guard stationed at Jefferson Barracks. He is responsible for assisting the soldiers in his unit with all personnel issues, said Specialist Spc. Katherine Collins, the unit public affairs representative at Jefferson Barracks.

McGill's tasks include maintaining the soldiers' personnel records and processing their pay, awards, military school enrollments, travel orders and travel logistics. McGill also assists the unit's readiness non-commissioned officer, who is a full-time employee of the Guard.

"I'm a supervisor over four other enlistees," McGill said. "I make sure the administrative tasks get done."

Any enlistee in the National Guard who has prior military service experience receives a $15,000 bonus. However, Collins said the person must enlist in the Guard for at least six years to receive ceive all $15,000. McGill qualifies for the bonus because of his eight years of service in the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, Va.

"I also want to be able to retire with 20 years in the military so I will serve for another 11 to 12 years," McGill said.

McGill has traveled throughout the world with the military. He has been to countries such as Norway and South Africa. McGill said being stationed in South Africa was a real cultural experience. He said Africans don't live like they're portrayed, but their water system was contaminated.

Collins said McGill's position is vital. These soldiers assist their unit's readiness non-commissioned officer in processing each soldier's personnel records and issues, including pay, awards, promotions and military school registrations, she said. McGill also must help coordinate transportation, lodging and meals for each soldier.

McGill's prior service experience will serve the Guard well, Collins said. She said he now will be able to care for his fellow service personnel in the area of administration.

Many Webster students, such as McGill, serve their countries all over the world. Webster has 4,810 active duty military students, worldwide, enrolled for fall 2005, said Don Morris, the university registrar.

McGill's unit is planned to deploy to Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina relief.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools