Sgt. Nicholas Serra (right), 24th FMSU, STB, 3IDSB, accepts a certificate from Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Capo, the senior enlisted leader of the STB during the battalion’s NCO induction ceremony, June 6 on Fort Stewart

Providers hold NCO induction ceremony, remember D-Day

The Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, held a noncommissioned officers induction ceremony June 6 at Moon Theater.

The tradition is used by senior NCOs to convey the sense of esteem and pride felt when a newly-promoted Soldier realizes that they are now a part of the backbone of the Army.

Sgt. Maj. Jon Noyes, brigade operations sergeant major, spoke at the event retelling the story of D-Day and the Medal of Honor recipient, Technician 5th Grade John J. Pinder.

“I tell it because, while the Army has changed plenty since D-Day, the basic role of NCOs has changed very little since World War II,” Noyes said. “Our charge is to provide our Soldiers with the leadership and training they deserve.”

When promoted from specialist to corporal or sergeant, role changes to include more oversight of Soldiers and property. Sergeants are expected to achieve results while leading and developing Soldiers through training.

Sgt. Jasmine Bullard, HHC, STB, 3IDSB, passes under an arch and sabers during the battalion’s noncommissioned officer induction ceremony, June 6 on Fort Stewart.

“I’m a squad leader and I’m in charge of four Soldiers. When I was a specialist I only had one, so it’s more responsibility and thinking on my feet,” said Sgt. Nicholas Smith, squad leader with 90th Human Resources Company, STB, 3IDSB. “To me, to be an NCO is to take care of your Soldiers and place their needs above your own.”

As a leader you must believe in the Army values and take pride in the uniform you wear each day and remember your basic responsibilities are accomplishment of the mission, and the welfare of Soldiers and upholding the standards.

“Good leaders are trusted by followers,” said Noyes. “Soldiers are watching you. If you accomplish the mission and take care of your people you will gain their trust.”

 Junior enlisted Soldiers also assisted with the rite of passage. They read letters asking their NCOs to mentor them to someday follow in their footsteps.

“When you’re in the Army you are part of something greater than yourself and NCOs get to help people learn and grow,” said Pfc. Courtney Harris, 287th Quartermaster Company, STB, 3rd IDSB.

The ceremony concluded with the inductees raising their right hand reciting The NCO in charge, pledging to fulfill their greatest obligation as a leader.

Noyes finished his speech quoting Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, “The sergeant is the Army. […] Remember those who came before and strive every day to be the best leader you can possibly be.”

Editors note: Co-written by 3rd IDSB Public Affairs specialist, Sgt. Laurissa Hodges and Sgt. Elizabeth White.

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Ranger School teaches members leadership skills in a 12-hour high intensity course. This themed Ranger School this year; every ranger candidate and cadre will be representing Rangers as they would have appeared in the 1980s: woodland BDUs, boonie hats, old style M16s, and more.The first phase of this themed Ranger School was an introduction and explanation of the mission along with a quick training on the procedures and tactics that were expected and utilized to complete the objectives. Once the training phase was over, the mission started with setting up the camp hours after midnight and guarding the camp/going on patrols during the 9 hours night. The course ended with 2-3 hours of intensive combat shortly paused for briefings between missions. 

The Alpha company awards ceremony is a special occasion to allow the unit commander to honor recipients who have been recognized for their accomplishments while assigned to the 3^rd Infantry Division Milsim.

MAJ Douglas Lipnitz

MSG Ethan Verhein

SSG Angie Bee

The 3^rd Infantry Division MILSIM Unit extends to you our personal thanks and sincere appreciation of your contribution of honorable service to our unit. You have made a lasting impact on the unit’s history and thanks to your devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud traditions of military service.

 Your commitment and dedication have been an inspiration for those who will follow in your footsteps, and for all those who join us in saluting you for a job extremely “well done.”

 Our best wishes to you for happiness and success in the future.

From the Soldiers of the 3^rd Infantry Division MILSIM

Congratulations to Private Second Class Brandon LeBlanc.

Photo by Master Sgt. Shelia Cooper

Hundreds of military Veterans are laid to rest in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Glennville, Ga. Prior to Memorial Day each year, the tombs of these fallen veterans are decorated with a U.S. flag. Memorial Day was established to remember all American service members who have died in armed conflicts while defending our country. 

Honoring our Heroes

3rd Infantry Division Soldiers and leaders joined communities throughout the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield area in support of Memorial Day.  

The installation held an Honoring Heroes Memorial Day Ceremony, May 23, at the Fort Stewart Main Post Chapel, hosted by 3rd ID commander, Maj. Gen. Lee Quintas to honor those who have lost their lives in the service of the nation and recognize Gold Star Families.  

Additional Memorial Day community events were supported in Savannah, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Vidalia, St. Simons, Glennville and Pembroke.  

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   M1126 Stryker Combat vehicle assaults the Huzrutiman Militia Camp

Alpha Company 1-2 INF MILSIM swept into the town of Sultansafe on Sunday, recapturing the city as the Islamic State group’s grip crumbled from the fighting. The trapped residents took advantage of the militant’s retreat and welcomed the US forces.

Early that afternoon, A.Co. 1^st Platoon punched into the city center assaulting enemy forces and by evening a spokesman for the US led force was able to report that troops had taken 100 percent control of the town.  It was a major step regaining a major foothold in the province. “We promised to liberate Sultansafe, and it has returned to the embrace of the nation,” he said.

1^st Platoon continued the assault southwest of the town where the enemy fighters were still holding out in the Huzrutiman Militia Camp.  As the forces maneuvered towards the camp they were met with intense fighting. Reportedly 22 enemy personnel killed, 1 transport jeep and 2x BMP were destroyed in the assault. Although they sustained injuries no casualties were reported from US forces.

  Second destroyed BMP during assault of Huzrutiman Militia Camp

This victory however is only the beginning. With battles to clear out pockets of fighters holed up in different districts still to be fought. The focus will now have to shift to many issues within the town that if left unchallenged will result in more instability.