NCO Induction Ceremony at FOB Summerall

Courtesy Photo | A Task Force Liberty Soldier steps over the line that symbolizes the transformation for junior enlisted Soldier to noncommissioned officer at Forward Operating Base Summerall, Iraq.  

BAYJI, IRAQ

08.30.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Story and photos by
Staff Sgt. Duane M. Brown
22nd MPAD

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SUMMERALL, Bayji, Iraq --Task Force Liberty welcomed 116 Soldiers to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps during an induction ceremony at Forward Operating Base Summerall, Iraq, on Aug. 27.

The NCO Induction Ceremony is an Army tradition that dates back to the birth of the U.S Army. The ceremony symbolizes a change of responsibility, it develops and maintains unit pride, builds esprit de corps and preserves tradition, said 42nd Infantry Division Artillery Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis J. Flynn.


"All the sergeants major and first sergeants felt that it was important to hold this ceremony for all these young new leaders, even though we are in a deployment setting," Flynn said.
Requirements to become an NCO are the same on deployment as they are in a garrison environment, Flynn added.

"I think this is a great idea to promote Soldiers here-- their time is due," said Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, Task Force Liberty Commander. "It's here in Iraq where you get to see these Soldiers at their finest. Here in a combat setting, you get to see many of their leadership qualities come out."

In the Army, the general rule is you are promoted when you have already proven that you can successfully function at the next level, said TF Liberty CSM Richard F. Fearnside.

"I'm a firm believer that a Soldier must show me that he or she can do the job first, then I consider promotion," he said. "It's not, I think you can do the job, and promote, then see if the person can actually do the job. We don't work that way. It's important that all of us demonstrate our proficiency."

It is through these NCOS that Army standards are reinforced, along with additional responsibility, he added.

"It's important that these Soldiers recognize being an NCO is all about taking care of Soldiers, upholding standards, individual training and providing basic leadership," Fearnside said. "Being here to be recognized by your peers and fellow Soldiers really says something about these troops."

After the ceremony, the path of the NCO doesn't end there, Flynn said, "Now these NCOs can look forward to leadership roles and the NCO professional development education system," he said. "They pin on the rank today but the need to be developed never ends."

Having an induction ceremony keeps today's Army in stride with tradition, but the mission and focus of the NCO will never change, said one of the Soldiers promoted.

"I realize that becoming an NCO comes with a great deal of responsibility," said Sgt. David H. Jock, combat medic for Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment. "But right now, my main focus has been and still is the accomplishment of my mission and getting my Soldiers home safe."

• Date Taken: 08.30.2005
• Date Posted: 08.30.2005 19:14
• Story ID: 2870
• Location: BAYJI, IQ