Non-Commissioned Officer Induction in Iraq

01.20.2010

Story by Cpl. Aaron Scheer 

1st Medical Brigade

The Non-Commissioned Officer Induction is a time-honored tradition. The Non-commissioned Officer Corps has distinguished itself as an accomplished, capable, dedicated, and professional group of military men and women. In 2009, dubbed the "Year of the NCO," honors and celebrates the great work and sacrifices our Army NCOs — past and present — make in service of our country. The NCO Corps induction ceremony held at Joint Base Balad exhibited the pride and heritage of the Corps. Several ceremonial presentations at the induction reiterated the tradition of excellence that has characterized the NCO Corps since its beginning.

The ceremony included the lighting of the candles, the recitation of the Soldier's Creed, and the right of passage through the crossed Sabers. The 42 members from the 47th Combat Support Hospital, 61st Multi-functional Medical Battalion, 118th Multi-functional Medical Batallion, recited the NCO Creed and the Charge, symbolizing their official induction in to the Corps of the Non-Commissioned Officer.

Task Force 1 MED Command Sgt. Major Kevin B. Stuart provided a brief history of the NCO induction ceremony.

"Today we commemorate this rite of passage as a celebration of the newly promoted joining the ranks of the professional NCO Corps, and emphasize and build on the pride we all share as members of such an elite Corps," he remarked. "We also serve to honor the memory of those men and women of the NCO Corps who have served with pride and distinction."

Guest speaker Command Sgt. Major Kevin B. Stuart addressed the inductees: "As leaders you must assess yourself, always try to improve yourself, seek out those things that challenge you and your Soldiers. Always challenge yourself. Always remember that you are a member of the greatest generation and a member of the NCO Corps. You are a leader. You serve so others can live a life of peace and protection."

Before the official induction, fellow Soldiers recited the "Soldier's Request," a declaration intended to remind the newly inducted NCOs of their mission to mentor and prepare their Soldiers.

The NCO induction ceremony was a fitting tribute to the past NCO Corps and the recently inducted NCOs. NCOs are crucial to the success of our Army and we should continue to honor their great work and sacrifices.

As Command Sgt. Maj. Stuart remarked during her speech, "Every year is the year of the NCO, and I will go even further [to say] every day is the day of the NCO."

• Date Taken: 01.20.2010
• Date Posted: 01.20.2010 11:10
• Story ID: 44168