Brooklynite Highlighted In Army Reserve Ad Campaign

By Jerry Del Priore

The United States Army Reserve began its new advertising campaign, “All Solider,” last month with a new television ad, digital landing page and social media content. It features a Brooklynite, Frantz Souffrant, a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve and New York City Police Lieutenant.

Souffrant, a Canarsie resident and I.S. 68 Isaac Bildersee alumnus, is one of four soldiers to have an in-depth profile of his military and civilian careers in the campaign.

“I am extremely honored. It’s a humbling experience,” Souffrant said of being selected for the campaign. “I get the opportunity to represent the Army and the NYPD at the same time.”

Souffrant, 35, who has spent 18 years so far in the Army Reserve, now serves as a Criminal Investigations Special Agent for the Army Reserves and has been a member of the NYPD for 10 years.

A Criminal Investigations Special Agent, commonly known as a CID, is responsible for investigating numerous types of felony-level crimes, conducting protective-service operations and working with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to solve criminalities and combat terrorism, as long as there is Army interest, Souffrant noted.

The “All Solider” campaign is intended to educate prospective soldiers about the Army Reserve, its function in the country’s defense and all of the service options available to them.

Souffrant said he truly relishes his career in the Army Reserves, an institution that will give you the rare opportunity to do something you always wanted to as long as you’re able to pass a systematized test.

“I love what I do,” he said. “I think it’s the only organization in the world where you can say, ‘I like to do this,’ and they’ll give a standardized test. If you score high enough, they’ll give you a shot. There’s no favoritism. They’ll let you do it if you score high enough.”

Though taken aback at first with the filming of the commercial, Souffrant has now developed a newfound respect for the entire film production process as well as the acting craft.

“Initially, when you’re filming, it’s kind of weird,” the Flatbush native admitted. “But now, I can understand why it takes months to make a movie. And I have a new appreciation for acting. It’s not an easy thing to do.”

To view the “All Solider” campaign, go to www.GoArmyReserve.com.