Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | Stillwater, Minn., native, Sgt. William Hering, of the 150th Armored Reconnaissance...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — Forty-three newly promoted non-commissioned officers of the 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team were inducted into the NCO Corps during a ceremony luncheon at Camp Stryker, south of Baghdad, Sept. 18.
The NCO Corps, known as the backbone of the Army, embodies those who instill discipline and order within a unit. The ceremony dates back to the 18th century with the Army of Fredrick the Great and commemorates the passing of a Soldier from the junior enlisted ranks to the corps noncommissioned officers.
"The NCO ceremony is hosted by NCOs for NCOs, said Squadron Command Sgt. Maj. James Allen, of Paden City, W.Va. "It recognizes new inductees, letting them know there is more to it than just pinning on rank; more responsibility should encompass something more."
The guest speaker, Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. John Swart, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., gave new inductees leadership guidance before they passed through the archway symbolizing a rite of passage and an acceptance of more responsibility as Army leaders.
"Becoming an NCO is a tough job, but it's a rewarding job; be tough but remain compassionate," said Swart.
New inductees recited the NCO creed; a guiding document for noncommissioned officers with the major paragraphs beginning with the letters N, C, and O. Inductees then passed through the crossed sabers arch as the official party presented them with the NCO Guide and Creed.
"I'm very surprised at all the attention it received," said Christian referring to the archway. "It's the first time the arch is being used and now it's part of our legacy."
Allen, the first official greeter to welcome inductees into the elite corps, handed out the guides as Swart followed with congratulations.
First sergeants of the squadron's four troops and one company spoke a few words of wisdom to the Soldiers under their command as they handed them a copy of the NCO Creed.
Sergeants James and Michael Lowry, brothers serving in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, who were promoted July 20, were amongst the first to walk under the archway that is a permanent fixture in future squadron NCO ceremonies.
"It's a good tradition," said James Lowry, of Elkview, W.Va. "The ceremony opened my eyes to the NCO heritage."
"I enjoyed being part of the ceremony for the NCO's that will be our future leaders," said Sgt. 1st Class Mike Street, of Indian Trail, N.C. "It's our job to mold new NCO's into those leaders."
Sgt. Deforest Talbert, who died in combat July 2004 during the squadron's last deployment, was remembered during the ceremony.
"We also serve to honor the memory of those men and women of the NCO Corps who have served with pride and distinction," said Street during the ceremony. "Today, we remember one of our own whose courage should not go unremembered."
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.21.2009 02:18 |
| Story ID: | 39065 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 5,178 |
| Downloads: | 5,113 |
This work, Soldier to Sergeant, a rite of passage in Iraq, by SSG Ruth McClary, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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