Photo By Staff Sgt. Catrina Herbert | U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony W. Mahoney, the command sergeant major of U.S....... read more read more
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Catrina Dorsey
19th ESC PAO
DAEGU, South Korea – The early morning breeze accompanying a nice, short fun run led by the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Command Sgt. Maj., Command Sgt. Maj. Robert F. Austin was a great way to start the day off.
It was the beginning of the first Area IV Noncommission Officer Day during which noncommissioned officers from all Area IV units came together as one on Camp Carroll to unite and bond and also receive professional development focused on becoming the better and stronger leaders needed in today’s Army.
During the course of the day, Area IV NCOs participated in many events, that included the NCO fun run, NCO professional development, an NCO Induction Ceremony and ended the day with the NCO dining-in.
During the first part of the NCOPD, sergeant major for the Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate, Sgt. Maj. Rodney Allen, video teleconferenced in from Fort Knox, Ky., to explain to the NCOs the assignment process and how to be competitive within the ranks while the Army is drawing down.
Allen said that putting the right people, in the right place, at the right time and managing the system to maintain the readiness in units across the force is their main goal at HRC.
The Camp Carroll Community Activity Center was filled with more than 250 NCOs who were able to benefit from the information that Allen provided on the upcoming changes within the Army.
“Keep yourself competitive go to school, improve on your GT scores stand out amongst your peers,” said Allen.
During the NCODP, 19th ESC’s Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, also was on-hand to offer words of encouragement as well as expectations for the NCOs under his command.
“This is where it starts, with the noncommissioned officers,” said Farmen. “This is where things get fixed. This is where it all happens, right here with you.”
Farmen expressed his gratitude to the NCOs for their character, for leading soldiers and for serving their country.
He explained that performance breeds opportunities, and that they have to take control of it, earn it and work hard for it. A whole menu of opportunitys opens up for you when you work for them.
Farmen also discussed engaged leadership during the NCOPD. He said to know your soldiers, inspire them and build them up; toxic leadership in the 19th ESC will not be tolerated.
“Soldiers don’t know how much you care until you show them how much you care,” said Farmen.
Other leaders were also there to share their experiences and give words of encouragement to their fellow Area IV NCOs.
During the NCO Induction Ceremony, always a highlight, newly promoted soldiers were inducted into the ranks of Noncommissioned Officers. No longer were they just soldiers. They joined the proud ranks of NCO leaders, now responsible for mentoring and guiding their junior soldiers. They had crossed the threshold and are now of the backbone of the Army.
There are many regulations that defines what is required and expected of a NCO, but only through dedication, mentoring, guiding and instructing one can truly, truly become a great noncommissioned officer, said Austin.
“I can just say the NCO Creed or the NCO Charge, but when you say it you should feel it, feel it until you are shaking because you know you are going to get up and make it happen,” said Austin.
To end the evening, Area IV NCOs all came together with a nice dinner and to reflect back on how the Noncommissioned Officer Corps began.
During the formal portion of the dining-in, NCOs were treated to a skit of “I am the sergeant,” acted out by fellow noncommissioned officers of the 19th ESC dressed in era clothing ranging from the Civil War to today.
The most senior noncommissioned officer on peninsula was also a part of the Area IV NCO day. United States Forces of Korea Command Sgt. Maj., Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony W. Mahoney, served as the guest speaker for the dining-in.
“In the 29 years I have been in the Army, this is the first time I have ever experienced anything like this,” said Mahoney. “I have never passed up the opportunity to talk to a group of American citizens who have volunteered to serve with the United States of America’s Army, the Team of Teams.”
During his address he gave a brief history lesson of how the Army earned all 183 streamers that adorn the Army flag today.
Messages emphasized throughout the day were showing the soldiers that you care for them, earning their trust and confidence and providing engaged leadership. As leaders, show an interest in your soldiers' well-being.
“If we are going to achieve anything it’s because we did it together,” said Farmen.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2013 23:15 |
| Story ID: | 109658 |
| Location: | 26, KR |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, NCOs host first Area IV NCO Day, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT