Photo By Sgt. Matthew Marcellus | Sgt. Laderius Beattie, of Rosedale, Mississippi, a human resources specialist assigned...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – A stoic sense of determination and formality gave way to radiant smiles and cheerful excitement as nine Noncommissioned Officers participated in an NCO induction ceremony, a traditional rite of passage.
Nine sergeants from the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Armored Division, were honored in a formal NCO induction ceremony June 13, at Fort Bliss, Texas.
The observance included passage under a crossed saber arch which signified entrance into the NCO Corps. NCOs recited both the NCO Creed and Charge, displaying NCO knowledge as well as commitment to the duties and ideals which are fundamental to the core of being a leader in the U.S. Army.
“The Soldiers here are crossing a line and taking their first step into leadership,” said Sgt. Maj. Tito Ferrara, the 1AD operations Sergeant Major and guest speaker of the ceremony. “Up until this point, the sergeants have been individuals just receiving orders, from here on out, they’re giving direction to make sure that Soldiers are successful”.
For these new NCOs participating in the ceremony, innumerable new roles, tasks and opportunities lay ahead of them as they begin to develop and implement their leadership philosophy and skills which will come to shape their Soldiers and the Army as a whole.
“The ceremony is a public declaration for us, as we’re taking on responsibilities and roles as an NCO which are huge jumps from being a junior enlisted Soldier,” said Sgt. Emily Perkins, a musician, pianist and vocalist with the 1AD Band, HHBN, who was one of the Soldiers inducted during the ceremony. “We recited the NCO Charge in front of everybody as well as the NCO Creed which we keep in our hearts every day and let it guide us through our daily actions.”
The development of strong and agile leadership is a key tenant of the U.S. Army, an ideal which permeated throughout the ceremony and is a priority for every sergeant and NCO.
“Leadership is not only doing the things that are inherent in your role, but it is also going above and beyond for your Soldiers,” said Perkins. “You have to look out for people and lead them to success.”
For an NCO, being a leader is a role which never ends.
It is imperative for NCOs to develop and maintain their leadership philosophy in order to benefit and support the operational flexibility, effectiveness and overall morale of their Soldiers to accomplish the mission as Army leaders.
“Leadership is doing the right thing and displaying what’s correct at any time,” said Ferrara. “Regardless of whether or not you’re in uniform, you’re always an NCO and you’re always a leader who is representative of the United States of America.”
Officers, NCOs, and junior enlisted Soldiers attended the ceremony to congratulate and offer the heartfelt support to the newly promoted sergeants.
“It was really special to have all of our leaders from all the way up in the chain-of-command come and recognize us,” said Perkins. “It’s great to be surrounded by all the amazing leaders that are part of HHBN and to be addressed by Sgt. Maj. Ferrara, who has so much experience. It all gives us some perspective on what we’re getting into as NCOs and leaders.”
Ferrara gave a considerable and reflective word of advice to the newly promoted sergeants as well as those striving to become Army leaders in the future.
“Take the hard right over the easy wrong, always”
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2019 14:44 |
| Story ID: | 328383 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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