Photo By Kelly Morris | The Aviation Center of Excellence conducts its Noncommissioned Officer Induction...... read more read more
FORT RUCKER, Ala.—The Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker welcomed 35 Soldiers into the Noncommissioned Officer Corps during an induction ceremony at Fort Rucker Sept. 24.
The time-honored tradition, hosted by 110th Aviation Brigade, was part of the post’s “Week of the NCO” celebrating NCOs as the “Backbone of the Army,” with a focus on strengthening the Profession of Arms and commemorating NCOs’ role in delivering ready combat formations.
Noncommissioned officers are charged with being competent, accomplishing their mission, and ensuring the welfare of their Soldiers. They are technically and tactically proficient, and place their Soldiers’ needs above their own. They are the guardians of the Army Standard, entrusted with the training, health and welfare of America’s most precious resource, the American Soldier.
Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley, Aviation branch command sergeant major, said it was a “huge” day that marked in important historical tradition.
“The NCO Induction Ceremony is the rite of passage … charging them with the duties and responsibility of what they’re about to enter as an NCO,” Coley said. “It’s the leap from being the led to [being] the leader, and having to pass that training and experience back on to their junior soldiers and being able to develop others.”
“I’m very proud of the 35 NCOs that we inducted, newly promoted E5’s who are still going through learning how to be a noncommissioned officer, and very proud that we are able to do this early in their promotions,” Coley said.
During the formal induction the NCOs individually walked beneath drawn sabers at an archway symbolizing their crossing the threshold from junior enlisted Soldier to NCO. The ceremony highlighted tradition, the Army Values and leading by example, and included traditional elements and recitations that characterize the NCO, including Boots of the NCO, Words of Wisdom, NCO Charge, the Soldier’s Request, and a group recitation the NCO Creed.
In his remarks, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen H. Helton, who recently served as the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center command sergeant major, emphasized competence.
“Your requirement to be proficient never changes. When you are physically fit, technically capable and you care about your people, leadership at the tactical level works,” Helton said. “Take care of your Soldiers and lead from a position of competence.”
“What I would ask you to do is reflect on these things as you go about your business as noncommissioned officers, and know that these ceremonies are important. The words that we say are important and the things that we do every day should reflect the words,” Helton said.
Among the NCOs who crossed the threshold from Soldier to NCO, was Sgt. Jason T. Reed, a combat medic who serves at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory helping to research and develop new techniques and equipment for Army aero-medevac operations.
“It’s something that you don’t really ask for, you just come into. I didn’t think I’d ever be a sergeant when I first joined up,” he said.
“Be there for your people,” Reed advised. “You don’t have to be a sergeant to do that, but if you do that you’re going to make sergeant if you stay in long enough.”
On this milestone day, Reed said he was glad he joined the Army.
“The recruiter said the Army isn’t just a chance to serve your country. They will teach you marketable skills and life skills that you can take with you when you get out after four years, or if you spend the full 20 or 30 years to get to retirement and claim your full benefits. The Army is there for you. And it’s been there for me,” he said.
Sgt. Tayah L. Fetty, who serves as a unit supply specialist at 1st Battalion, 223d Aviation Regiment, said she pinned on the rank but initially didn’t realize there was an Army ceremony to mark this milestone.
“It’s nice to be recognized, and to see all the officers here in support as well,” Fetty said.
Fetty said she appreciates the opportunity to mentor others.
“It’s important to hold the rank and understand what it means to be a leader. It’s important to be there for your soldiers and enjoy your time with them, because it goes by very quickly and then they become a noncommissioned officer,” she said. “It’s nice to see how they grow into the Soldier that they are becoming, especially at the lower level.”
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 549197 |
| Location: | FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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