Induction ceremony honors newest members of NCO Corps

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Angela Mc Kinzie | Sgt. Matthew Deveikis (left), a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and native of Merrimac, Mass., gets ready to sign the charge of the noncommissioned officer after Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Gray (right), a native of Thomaston, Ga., who serves as the 210th BSB command sergeant major, signs it.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.25.2002

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Angela Mc Kinzie 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

By Staff Sgt. Angela McKinzie
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) Public Affairs

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — The tradition of commemorating the passing from Soldier to noncommissioned officer can be traced to the Army of Fredrick the Great. Before one could be recognized with the full status of an NCO, troops were required to stand four watches, one every four days. Although different from yesterday's traditions, the Army today still commemorates the rite of passage for NCOs.

Soldiers from the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were inducted into the NCO Corps during an NCO Induction Ceremony here Jan. 19.

"This is a very emotional experience," said NCO inductee Sgt. Arays Cruz, the 210th retention NCO and native of Miami, Fla. "Before I became an NCO I never imagined that I would be standing here today surrounded by my peers."

As the color guard opened the ceremony senior NCOs provided the inductees with guidance to help them in their new role.

"Take care of your Soldiers," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Joseph, the 15th Sustainment Brigade command sergeant major and native of Lake Charles, La. "Make sure you always uphold the standards, whether it is conducting pre-combat inspections or making Soldiers wear their seatbelts. Take the hard right instead of the easy wrong."

After the senior NCOs gave their speeches other NCOs took the responsibility of inducting 21 new NCOs into the Corps.

The audience listened as the inductees raised their right hands to swear the oath of the NCO.

"As a NCO I accept the charge to observe and follow the orders and directions given by supervisors, acting according to the laws, articles and rules governing the discipline of the Army," the inductees said in unison. "In doing so, I will fulfill my greatest obligation as a leader, and thereby confirm my status as a NCO."

After the inductees swore in, they signed and received their charge and the NCO Creed.

"Now that I am an NCO I will point Soldiers in the right direction and always help them out," Cruz said as her eyes filled with tears. "I will guide them in the right direction."

Before the new NCOs left, a Soldier made a simple request to them all.

"Treat me with respect, sergeant, for no heart in all the world is more loyal than the heart of the American Soldier," said Spc. Timothy Montminy, a 210th BSB driver and native of El Paso, Texas. "Train me, sergeant, that one day I, too, can be called sergeant."

• Date Taken: 01.25.2002
• Date Posted: 01.25.2007 12:27
• Story ID: 8936
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ