Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Burrell | After stepping through the non-commissioned officer archway, Sgt. Aleshia Turner,...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — In the pastel opulence and ornate chandelier-covered ceilings of al-Faw Palace, 36 Soldiers from the Division Special Troops Battalion, Multi-National Division-Baghdad were inducted into the non-commissioned officer corps, here, July 20.
"Because of the non-commissioned officer corps, our Army is what it is today," said Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, the senior enlisted advisor in Iraq. "Without the corps, our great warriors would not have the leadership and guidance to execute this mission in Iraq and Afghanistan."
As command sergeants major from Multi-National Forces-Iraq, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, MND-B and DSTB were present for the ceremony, the new NCOs were excited and honored to be inducted.
"I worked really hard to get here and it's just nice to be recognized," expressed Sgt. Theresa Leal, an intelligence NCO from Solomons Island, Md., assigned to Company B, DSTB, 1st Cavalry Division. "You're over here and every day doing the same thing over and over again...it's nice, especially downrange, when someone takes the time to recognize the hard job you're doing."
The ceremony had many levels of meaning for the Soldiers and was a memorable event.
"I don't think they'll ever forget it — the Year of the NCO, in Iraq, in al-Faw Palace...it's got that hooah factor, is what I like to call it, for the NCOs," said Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton Joseph, the DSTB senior enlisted advisor from New Orleans assigned to 1st Cav. Div., who presided over the ceremony.
The ceremony was rife with NCO tradition and history passed down from the Revolutionary War, to include a quiet moment to salute a traditional memorial for the fallen Soldiers.
"One of the things is the traditions of the NCO Corps. There are numerous traditions that have got to be passed on," added Joseph. "It's something that the NCOs need to know how to do...the Year of the NCO gives us the opportunity for NCOs to focus on those traditions."
Another tradition exhibited was the lighting of the red, white and blue spirit candles that symbolize the attributes the NCO holds highest. Also, the new NCOs each stepped through the NCO archway.
"Today, when you walk through the doorway from specialist to sergeant, remember...you are stepping into the NCO world...you are becoming the leader, not the led," explained Wilson, the MNF-I Command Sgt. Maj. and a native of Pinebluff, N.C. "When you put those chevrons on today... it's different — you must take care of your warriors and their families...it's tough and if anyone could be a leader, everyone would be."
Having the senior enlisted advisor in Iraq address the NCOs in a room packed to capacity was one highlight among many.
"At one point in time when the first sergeants were lighting the candles and when the first NCO came through the arch, there was a solemn moment of soberness that people were realizing these Soldiers are becoming NCOs," added Joseph.
The job before these young NCOs isn't easy Joseph stated. "As a leader, your credibility is just as important as your capability," he said.
The new NCOs from the DSTB held their heads a little higher and pushed their chests out a little further when the ceremony was over.
"This was a great day for the officers and NCOs of the DSTB and we're proud of each of the inductees," said Joseph.
But those weren't the only Soldiers affected by the ceremony. Three specialists, who each won Soldier of the Quarter boards at the battalion level, were selected to recite the Soldier's request to the NCOs.
"I was speaking from the heart in a way," said Spc. Nicholas Randall, a switch board systems operator and maintainer from North Adams, Mass., assigned to Co. C, DSTB, 1st Cav. Div. "I asked them to show me how they got there so I can get there myself...my goal is to redeploy as an NCO."
For Soldiers like Randall, learning the tradition and witnessing the meticulous preparation for an NCO induction ceremony is inspiring.
"You come and see something like this where they recognize you and want you here, it motivates me to get better," added Randall with a smile. "I'm confidant I'll get there, come hell or high water."
As the honor guard completed their performance and handed over the NCO saber to Joseph, the ceremony's dignified air lifted and light-hearted laughs echoed throughout the palace while the NCOs were congratulated. The traditions of the NCOs before were upheld by Soldiers that are making history in Iraq as new NCOs.
| Date Taken: | 07.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2009 04:35 |
| Story ID: | 36601 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 241 |
| Downloads: | 210 |
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