NCO induction ceremony

16th Sustainment Brigade
Courtesy Story

Date: 08.02.2013
Posted: 11.17.2013 05:47
News ID: 116879
NCO Induction

BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- Combat operations did not deter the noncommissioned officers of the 39th Joint Movement Control Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command from conducting essential career progression activities. JMCB sergeants hosted a three-day NCO conference concluding with an NCO induction ceremony at Bagram Air Field in October.

The battalion's NCOs play a significant role in their mission, dealing with base closures and the drawdown in Afghanistan. However, they took a short hiatus from their mission to focus on leadership fundamentals, logistics edification and professional development.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gussie Bellinger, the 39th JMCB command sergeant major, hosted the conference in an effort to build NCO morale and esprit de corps within the battalion. The NCOs represented 19 movement control teams from both the active and reserve components of the U.S. Army.

"The conference represents the bedrock of what the 39th JMCB is all about and that is building the future of the Army and promoting professionalism," said Bellinger. "A promotion to the rank of NCO is not just a pay raise; it is the empowerment to lead Soldiers, make tough decisions and a significant increase in responsibility."

The first day of the conference revolved around the basics of leadership, such as the Army Values, discipline, standards and the Profession of Arms. The conference also included briefings covering finances, fraternization, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, and Equal Opportunity.

The class instructors were handpicked NCOs who embody the leadership principle "be, know and do." Sgt. 1st Class Harold Lucca, the 39th JMCB support office noncommissioned officer-in-charge, discussed the hardships NCOs may face during their careers.

"There will be many challenges that you face throughout your career and it does not get any easier as you move through the ranks," said Lucca. "You will have to sacrifice a lot, but the values instilled in you by the Army are something you can never negotiate."

The day ended with games and a friendly, but competitive, "corn-hole" tournament. The NCOs briefly stepped away from the conference and their missions to socialize with fellow
NCOs.

The second day of the conference concentrated on the 39th JMCB's movement control mission. The senior NCOs of the battalion conducted one-on-one training with their students to ensure they understood the technical aspect of the mission and its impact on the theater. Additionally, NCOs received briefings on relevant focal points in Afghanistan including fraud, waste, and abuse.

As the second training day concluded, the sergeants seemed ready to return to their units and put their newly learned skills to effective use. However, day three of the conference held special meaning for newer NCOs.

The third day was dedicated to welcoming new NCOs with an induction ceremony. The 37 NCOs' transition from soldier to NCO was symbolized in a walk through the arch of sabers in front of their peers.

"Earning the rank of a noncommissioned officer is something I've strived for over the last six years," said Sgt. Ryan Hebron the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 39th JMCB operations NCOIC. "As I walked through the arch of sabers, I thought to myself that many great leaders past and present have walked through the same way I did today. Today I made a vow that I will live up to the NCO creed and I am proud to serve my country as an NCO."