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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq — Forty six new non-commissioned officers were officially inducted into the corps of non-commissioned officers during a ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation base complex, May 16.
After a traditional rendition of "The Watch," a reading of "The Boots of the NCO," and a hearing of "The Soldier's Request," new NCOs from the 16th Special Troops Battalion and the 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, officially accepted the responsibilities and the proud heritage of the NCO Corps by reciting the "Charge of the NCO," and walking under crossed sabers onto the stage to receive their copies of the NCO creed.
Guest speaker Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Spencer, command sergeant major, 16th Sust. Bde., exhorted the new leaders to take their responsibilities seriously.
"Simply being promoted does not make you a leader," Spencer said. "Leaders are professional Soldiers that know and exude Army values. You are the very first level of authority, training, discipline and leadership in your unit. You will lead from the front, set the example and never — I stress this — you will never ask your Soldiers to do anything that you have not already done or will not do yourself."
Spencer emphasized the importance of the NCO Corps to Army leadership.
"Your leaders depend on you to ensure that your Soldiers are trained and cared for at all times," Spencer said. "You will care for them by ensuring that they are trained and prepared to fight, win, and most importantly survive on the battlefield."
Husband and wife and Marcus and JoAnna Davis, both 16th STB, 16th Sust. Bde., were proud to be inducted together.
"It is an honor to be inducted with my husband," said JoAnna, native of Brewton, Ala.
Marcus was also proud to be inducted with JoAnna. The two married during this deployment, Dec. 5, 2008.
"I've been in the Army for a while, and this isn't my first deployment," said Marcus, native of Jacksonville, Fla. "But being inducted with my wife made me really proud, and made this deployment special to me."
Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer left the new NCOs with a final thought.
"Lastly, just know that every Soldier has a sergeant and all a Soldier ever needs is just one good sergeant to make an impact," Spencer said. "NCO's lead the way. Deeds Not Words. Army Strong!"
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2009 02:53 |
| Story ID: | 34047 |
| Location: | QAYYARAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 243 |
| Downloads: | 228 |
This work, Q-West inducts new Non-commissioned officers into Corps, by SGT Keith Anderson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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