BNOC in Iraq helps Soldiers improve leadership

Photo By Staff Sgt. Cory Grogan | Noncommissioned officers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat pose with the NCO symbols after graduating from the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 1.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

10.01.2009

Story by Spc. Cory Grogan 

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Al Asad, Iraq — Members of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team took an important step in their military career during graduation ceremony from Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 1.

BNOC is for Soldiers who want to advance their military careers though promotion and increased leadership responsibilities.

The Oregon Guardmembers were part of the last BNOC class in Iraq where 28 Soldiers learned skills that they will immediately be able to put to use on their deployment.

The 13th ESC Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Joseph said being able to take the course in Iraq was a great opportunity for the Soldiers because they will not have to separate from their families again when they get home.

"It is great that command allows Soldiers to do this because these Soldiers are able to improve themselves on deployment and go back to the fight continuing to use the skills they have learned here," said Joseph.

Sgt. Rueben Archuleta from Portland, Ore., said they took the accelerated course in a video tele-conference format via web camera with four class locations ranging from Hawaii to Iraq.

"This is like BNOC on hyper drive," said Kristine Greer from Portland, "I was a little nervous at first because the course was very challenging and in-depth, but it has been a very rewarding experience."

Archuleta explained that the course is a must for Soldiers who want to advance their military career and that the skills he learned are going to help him be a better leader.

The Soldiers are already in leadership positions on the deployment and are excited to put what they have learned to work while it is still fresh in their mind, said Sgt. William Bentley of Beaverton, Ore.
Greer said doing the class while on deployment was a perfect way to go, "Everything was very fluid—we came off convoys and went straight to the classroom and we will be able to go right back out as better leaders."

Staff Sgt. Peter Bannister from Gresham said "This was the last BNOC class because they are changing to Advanced Warrior Leader Course; I am proud to be a part of this because now I can set a better example for other Soldiers."

The 41st Brigade also helped organize the ceremony led by Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Lake, and Joseph said it is one of the best ceremonies he has ever been a part of.

Archuleta said taking the course in Iraq was one of the best things that could have happened for personal reasons too, because now he won't have to leave his new born baby to take the course when he gets home.

• Date Taken: 10.01.2009
• Date Posted: 10.14.2009 13:41
• Story ID: 40121
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ