Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Reichert exemplifies the spirit of today’s Army Reserve through his unwavering commitment to leadership and youth development. Balancing his responsibilities as a Property Accounting Technician (military occupational specialty 920A) with his passion for coaching and mentoring, he embodies the Army Reserve's values of adaptability, dedication and fostering the growth of future generations both in and out of uniform.

Reichert hails from Pottsville, Pa., he initiated his military journey in April 2003 as an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve, specializing as an Automated Logistics Specialist (92A). In 2016, he completed the Warrant Officer Basic Course, specializing as a Property Accounting Technician. Reichert holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and an associate degree in Small Business Administration from Penn State University. His service includes deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2007), and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2011). Reichert is currently serving on the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program as the Property Accounting Technician for the 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion under the 377th Theater Sustainment Command.

Reichert is well rounded in the logistics arena. Prior to transitioning to AGR, Reichert served as an Army civilian Logistics Management Specialist with the 99th Readiness Division and spent nine years as the Equipment Concentration Site 24 Storage Branch Supervisor under the Military Technician (MILTECH) program.

Reichert is married to Courtney, an Elementary School Teacher, and they have a son, Elliot. Through his volunteer efforts and mentorship, Reichert has made a significant positive impact on countless youths and families, showcasing his commitment to community betterment beyond his military service. Reichert has served as a high school soccer coach for 13 years and is currently in his seventh year as the Pottsville Area School District Boys Varsity Soccer Coach. He has also served as a Pottsville Area Little League coach for four years and presided over the Crimson Tide Soccer Club for the past 3 years. Both positions focused heavily on skill development and sportsmanship, fostering values that extend beyond athletics. Beyond coaching, he engages with the local community education, conducting classroom visits to inspire students and connect athletics with academic success.

Question: How did your experiences as an Automated Logistics Specialist prepare you for your current role as a Property Accounting Technician?

CW3 Reichert: My experience as an Automated Logistics Specialist has been foundational for my current position as a Property Accounting Technician. I have transitioned through various systems, from ULLS-G, PBUSE, SAMS FM, and now GCSS-Army, emphasizing the importance of accurate records and understanding property lifecycle management. Since starting my career in 2004 and moving to an Army civilian Supply Technician role in 2006, I have held several positions, including Logistics Management Specialist and Storage Branch Supervisor. My deployment to Afghanistan and subsequent return to ECS 24 allowed me to deepen my expertise in sustainment operations. These roles sparked my passion for property accountability, revealing the need for better systems and leadership focus in the Army Reserve. I learned how small discrepancies can impact readiness, which informs my current approach. As a Property Accounting Technician, I now apply my insights at a strategic level, focusing on accountability, visibility, and control while developing robust systems and comprehensive training to ensure organizational compliance and operational readiness.

Question: Can you discuss how the skills you gained as an Army civilian were beneficial in your military role?

CW3 Reichert: As an Army civilian, I developed a strong system-thinking approach that has been vital for my professional growth. I gained expertise in managing large datasets, analyzing trends, and creating processes that are repeatable and sustainable. My experience across various units enhanced my ability to standardize operations in inconsistent environments. I became skilled at identifying gaps in property accountability, inventory, and documentation, and implementing practical solutions. This background informs me of my current military responsibilities, where I focus on proactive system-building to prevent issues. I have a solid understanding of regulatory guidance and know how to translate policy into actionable steps for commanders, enhancing compliance and operational readiness. Effective communication has been crucial in my role, allowing me to present complex logistical data clearly to leaders. I bridge the gap between information and decision-making, which is essential in both my civilian and military roles. Additionally, I have cultivated strong leadership and mentorship skills focusing on developing junior logisticians and fostering a culture of accountability. This philosophy continues in my role as a Property Accounting Technician, where the development of future leaders is as crucial as effective systems management.

Question: What inspired you to dedicate over a decade to youth development and community leadership through coaching?

CW3 Reichert: My coaching journey began as a way to give back to my community but quickly evolved into a passion influenced by my father's 30 years of coaching. My significant turn came when my supervisor at ECS, head coach for the Williams Valley High School girls' team, invited me to assist. He saw my enthusiasm for fitness and believed I could bring positivity to the team. A pivotal moment occurred during my first practice when a player had an asthma attack, which solidified my commitment to coaching. Over 13 years, I’ve learned that coaching is about preparing young individuals for life beyond sports. While I love soccer, my true passion lies in fostering discipline, resilience, and accountability in my athletes. In addition to high school coaching, I’ve spent the last four years coaching my son’s baseball and youth soccer teams. My expectations remain consistent across all levels: maintain a positive attitude, work hard, and hold each other accountable. Coaching extends beyond the field; it’s about building relationships, being a positive role model, and guiding players in how to respond to adversity. Witnessing my players evolve into confident leaders has kept me dedicated for over a decade and continues to inspire me.

Question: As the president of the Crimson Tide Soccer Club, what specific strategies have you implemented to drive organizational growth and community trust?

CW3 Reichert: As president of the Crimson Tide Soccer Club, I have implemented strategies to promote organizational growth and build community trust, shifting from a recreational mindset to a development-focused program with a clear structure and long-term sustainability. Upon taking office three years ago, I focused on four key areas: systems and processes, accountability, transparency, and modernization. We created a player development model and aligned our youth program with the high school program to ensure a seamless athlete progression pipeline. We also partnered with higher-level training organizations to elevate the club's standard of play. To enhance organization, we established clear communication with families, set expectations for coaches, and ensured accountability throughout the club. We modernized operations by offering year-round training and transitioning from a fall-only program to a comprehensive year-round soccer club. Despite facing challenges, our commitment to our vision has led to measurable success. Participation numbers have increased, our financial health has improved, and community trust has risen significantly. Ultimately, our mission goes beyond the game; we aim to create a program that players, families, and the community can be proud of. By demonstrating consistency, clear direction, and a commitment to reinvestment, we have fostered trust that supports continued growth.

Question: How do you connect your coaching initiatives with academic success for students, and what role do you believe athletics plays in education?

CW3 Reichert: Athletics is a powerful tool for reinforcing habits that contribute to academic success. At the high school level, I prioritize principles such as discipline, time management, accountability, and effort, which are essential not only for sports but also for academic achievement and life beyond school. We set clear expectations for our players, emphasizing that they are student-athletes, with academics taking precedence. Good students not only achieve high grades but also actively participate in class, engage in school activities, and serve as positive role models. This structure holds them accountable both academically and athletically. When executed effectively, athletics complements education by fostering confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic. It keeps students engaged, provides a sense of belonging, and teaches them to navigate adversity—skills they will use in school and their future careers. For me, coaching is an extension of education, reinforcing the values and skills necessary for overall success.

Question: What do you hope your legacy will be in both the Army Reserve and the communities you serve?

CW3 Reichert: In my pursuit of a career in the Army Reserve, I aspire to become a Warrant Officer who embodies the qualities of a chief. I aim to master my role and deliver value at all operational levels, particularly within a battalion, where I find the greatest sense of purpose. In the battalion setting, I can see the direct impact of my efforts—overseeing property accountability, advising commanders, and mentoring junior officers stepping into their first command roles. My goal is not only to be recognized as a subject matter expert in property accountability but also to be remembered as someone who genuinely cares for Soldiers. I am dedicated to training and developing leaders for sustained success. Beyond my military role, I strive to create a lasting legacy in my community through initiatives that promote athletic development and personal growth. Ultimately, my mission is to leave every unit, program, and community better than I found them.