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PROVIDERS HOLD NCO INDUCTION CEREMONY, REMEMBER D-DAY
Reported By RET Q.Morton
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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