10th SFG (A) Soldiers attend NCOA

Photo By Spc. Kimberly Gonzalez | Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conduct drill and ceremony while attending the Noncommissioned Officer Academy on Fort Carson, Colorado, March 28, 2022. Some of the topics covered included the Army Body Composition Program, Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention, Drill and Ceremony, Equal Opportunity, Counseling and Mission Command.  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

03.28.2022

Story by Spc. Kimberly Gonzalez 

10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) participated in a Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) on March 28, 2022. Under the instruction of Staff Sgts. and above, the NCOA is a four-day course where students learn and prepare to step into the role of a noncommissioned officer. The Soldiers are also introduced to concepts taught during the Army’s Basic Leadership Course (BLC).
"The purpose of this course is to get a better understanding of what Soldiers need to know as non-commissioned officers," said an NCOA instructor with 10th SFG(A).
Offered to junior-enlisted Soldiers holding the rank of specialist , the course delves into an array of Army-wide regulations and doctrines. Some of the topics covered include the Army Body Composition Program, Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention, Drill and Ceremony, Equal Opportunity, Counseling and Mission Command.
The course is held in a less formal classroom setting, where students have an open discussion regarding what is being taught, explained an one of the instructors.
“If I was in this setting, personally I think I would be able to retain more of the information that is given out,” said the NCOA instructor. “I’ve seen it in other units, but 10th Group offers the course most consistently.”
A Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of 10th Group was the guest speaker and discussed with the class his leadership philosophy.
“The rank you wear on your chest is your pay grade,” said the CSM. “Use your mind to lead your people.”
The CSM also stated that people are the number one resource in the Army and how important it is for leaders to always take care of their Soldiers for them to perform to the best of their abilities.
“An NCO is able to assist their Soldier in any problems, whether it's work or personal situations,” said the CSM.
A student in attendance explained how he gained a deeper understanding and increased his perspective on leadership because of the course.
"I'm no longer looking at things by how they will affect me, rather how do I address it as a leader," said the student. “This course gives you a brief overview of things, unlike BLC which dives heavy into subjects.”
The students were able to take away key points on different subjects and situations they may encounter one day when they become NCOs. They were also able to hear personal experiences from the instructors about how to handle problems as a leader and how to better assist their Soldiers.
“It’s a good class, it has been very beneficial so far and I think overall the class is going to be a great introduction to BLC,” said an NCOA student. “One of the biggest benefits of this class was being taught proper ways of handling different situations, which is an important skill to be able to change your mindset."

• Date Taken: 03.28.2022
• Date Posted: 04.27.2022 11:06
• Story ID: 418075
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US
• Hometown: FORT CARSON, CO, US