RICHMOND, Va. - The tradition of selecting the most elite noncommissioned officers into the United States Army Reserve chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club continued after a panel of senior NCOs selected Sgt. 1st Class Cavornia Scott during board proceedings at the 80th Training Command in Richmond, Va., Feb. 1, 2013.
Scott's appearance before the board was her second attempt at qualifying for the SAMC. She said she was able to identify her flaws and better prepare after her first attempt in October 2012.
"I knew the material, but I didn't display confidence and wasn't comfortable," said Scott, a senior instructor at the 94th Training Division. "I think this was why I wasn't selected, but this time was different."
Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Darlington, a board member and senior enlisted leader of the 800th Logistics Brigade, says the process can be overwhelming for nervous soldiers appearing before the panel made up of four sergeants major and one sergeant first class. He suggests conducting mock boards with sponsors and other leaders critiquing the participants.
The SAMC is a private U.S. Army organization for enlisted NCOs only. Candidates must exemplify leadership portrayed by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of soldiers as well as concern for soldiers' families. Participants must earn 90 points in each event of the Army physical fitness test prior to their board appearance.
"I was glad to see Sgt. (1st Class) Scott try again," said Command Sgt. Maj. James Wills, board president and 80th Training Command senior enlisted leader. "I could tell she really wanted it."
"It feels good to be selected," Scott said. "I did a good job and I think I exceeded my expectations."