Photo By Sgt. Jacob Suess | U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division discuss how a fallen Soldier earned...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas — The 1st Armored Division continues to invest in the future of its noncommissioned officer corps through the newly established Iron Ambassadors Program, an initiative that provides junior leaders with hands-on experience that complements the Basic Leaders Course institutional training curriculum.
The program which launched its first week-long course on March 9, 2026, focuses on bridging the gap between the classroom instruction of the Basic Leader Course, which has a focus on understanding doctrine and regulations, and the realities of leadership in an operational Army, giving Soldiers the hands-on experience needed to lead effectively.
“We took the program of instruction that BLC sent us and then filled in the gaps in order to develop our own curriculum,” said Sgt. Maj. Zachary Crawford, G3 Operations Sgt. Maj., 1st AD.
The Iron Ambassadors Program offers junior NCOs the opportunity to apply the leadership principles in real-world environments, creating the required leadership skills an NCO needs to lead Soldiers.
The hands-on leadership skills learned while attending this program included on-the-spot corrections, how to conduct a counseling, how to conduct a barracks room inspection and how to take charge of quarters.
Beyond that, students are also taught how to approach and handle difficult situations an NCO may encounter with other Soldiers, like substance abuse, depression and suicide.
“In BLC it was explained to us how to complete these tasks,” said Cpl. Robert Thompson, an Iron Ambassador Pilot Program student assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division. “In Iron Ambassador we were able to do them in person and learn hands-on, and to me that was extremely valuable as a new NCO.”
These experiences strengthen their ability to operate independently while remaining aligned with the commander’s intent, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of the NCO Corps.
“I hope the program reinforces the values we hold as NCOS, being able to live by the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer and understanding the power held just by being an NCO,” said Crawford.
By investing in its junior leaders, the 1st Armored Division reinforces its commitment to maintaining a disciplined, professional and capable force.
“I truly believe that everything we do is about our Soldiers, because they’re the ones that are going to do all the heavy lifting for us,” said Crawford. “So whatever it takes to invest in them, we need the right standard bearers to keep them on track.”
As the Army continues to adapt to evolving challenges, programs like Iron Ambassadors ensure that its leaders are prepared to meet them.
By implementing the Iron Ambassador Program, the 1st Armored Division is striving for a strengthened NCO Corps and to set the standard for excellence across the force.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2026 18:36 |
| Story ID: | 561849 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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