‘Always Ready’ battalion hosts NCO induction ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alexander Burnett | Twelve newly inducted noncommissioned officers recite the creed of the noncommissioned officer during an induction ceremony at the Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne, Aug. 15. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alexander A. Burnett, 21st TSC Public Affairs)  

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY

08.15.2014

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Burnett 

21st Theater Sustainment Command

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – It is a crucial moment in a Soldier’s career, a step that transitions them from troops to leaders. It is the moment they become noncommissioned officers. One battalion recognized Soldiers from throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community for their entrance into the NCO corps with a ceremony.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 21st Special Troops Battalion inducted 12 Soldiers into the NCO ranks with an induction ceremony at the Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne, Aug. 15.

Eleven of the recently promoted NCOs came from the 21st STB’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company and 5th Quartermaster Company (Riggers). The other NCO came from Armed Forces Network Headquarters.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney J. Rhoades, the 21st TSC senior enlisted advisor. Instead of giving the traditional speech, he took a different approach.

“If you all (inductees) would like, I can get up there and give a speech. I would rather talk to you about what becoming a noncommissioned officer means,” said Rhoades. “This promotion is one of the most important in each of your careers. It is the step from being a follower to a leader.”

For the next several minutes Rhoades gave an impromptu mentorship session, asking each of the newly promoted NCOs what being a leader meant to them and what they expected from their senior leadership. After, each of the inductees recited the Charge of the Noncommissioned Officer, symbolizing their acceptance of their new rank and responsibility. As the ceremony concluded, everyone in attendance recited The Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer.

Afterward, one of the inductees shared his thoughts on the ceremony.

“Being inducted like this was a great experience,” said Sgt. Joshua McHam, the HHC, 21st STB human resources NCO and a native of Fort Worth, Texas. “It’s an honor to have this kind of ceremony and it makes the promotion feel that much more important.”

• Date Taken: 08.15.2014
• Date Posted: 08.21.2014 04:21
• Story ID: 139998
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, DE
• Hometown: FORT WORTH, TX, US