Top non-commissioned officer in Iraq helps induct new NCOs

Photo By Sgt. Robert Yde | Sgt. Shelby Silva crosses "the time honored line," signifying her entrance into the Non-commissioned Officer Corps during the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division's NCO induction ceremony at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in central Baghdad, Oct. 19.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.23.2007

Story by Sgt. Robert Yde 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Robert Yde
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PROSPERITY, Iraq – During a Soldiers' career the promotion from specialist to sergeant is one of the most significant ones he or she will earn.

This is the first step that most Soldiers take in their progression toward leadership, and to signify this important step the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted a Non-commissioned Officer Corps induction ceremony to recognize all of its Soldiers who have been promoted to sergeant during the unit's current deployment to Iraq.

"By becoming a non-commissioned officer each of you is doing more than simply pinning on stripes," Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, the top NCO for Multi-National Force – Iraq, told the group of young sergeants. "Beyond that outward sign of transformation, you are internally transforming, as well.

"You are accepting new responsibilities and new privileges – ones that have been part of our Army for 232 years. As our creed implies, your entire life – your entire way of life, has changed.'"

Hill was the guest speaker at the ceremony, and offered the Soldiers what he called "golden nuggets," of advice, particularly concerning their increased role in upholding the Army's standards.

"More will be expected of you and more will be demanded of you," he said. "You now become our Army's newest standard bearers and standard enforcers."

A history of the NCO rites of passage, which can be traced back to Frederick the Great, was presented to the Soldiers, and then one by one, the 23 sergeants passed through a wooden arch, signifying their entrance into the ranks of the NCO.

"Honestly I didn't know what to expect," Sgt. Tyler Jensen, a nuclear, biological and chemical specialist with Company A, said afterward. "It was very professional, very formal, and like I said I was just pleased to be a part of it."

Jensen, who is originally from Garden City, Kan., was promoted to sergeant April 1, and added that the ceremony helped reiterate his new role.

"I didn't know really the responsibility and the specialty of what it takes to be a non-commissioned officer," he said.

According to Sgt. Shelby Silva, who was promoted July 1, the progression from specialist was, at first, "nerve-wracking," but she was able to quickly adjust to her new role.

"The big difference is now you have to take responsibility for all the people under you," the Pinckneyville, Ill. native, who is a medic with Co. C, said. "When they mess up, you're the one getting yelled at, and then you have to talk to them and let them know what they did wrong. You have to always be on top of your game because otherwise if you try to correct someone they're not going to listen to you if you're jacked up."

Hill told the Soldiers that though their new responsibilities may be challenging, the honor that comes with being an NCO is well worth it.

"You should not be daunted by what lies ahead of you," Hill said. "Instead you should be excited and honored by the increased responsibilities."

• Date Taken: 10.23.2007
• Date Posted: 10.23.2007 16:13
• Story ID: 13253
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ