Knighthawk welcomes new noncommissioned officers in ceremony

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
Courtesy Story

Date: 04.08.2013
Posted: 04.09.2013 03:24
News ID: 104838
Knighthawk welcomes new noncommissioned officers in ceremony

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Twenty four recently promoted sergeants from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Task Force Knighthawk became members of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers during an induction ceremony April 2 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

The traditional, time-honored ceremony can be traced as far back as the early 18th century and the army of Fredrick the Great.

Passage through the arch symbolized the assumption of their new office. Together, all the noncommissioned officers in the room completed the ritual by reciting the creed of the noncommissioned officer.

Command Sgt. Maj. Daryle Pilkinton, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Task Force Knighthawk command sergeant major, welcomed the new noncommissioned officers into the corps’ hallowed traditions.

“The significance of this ceremony for these soldiers is that they are now a part of the corps,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Pilkinton. “It is their responsibility to be the example, the one who motivates, enforces, rewards, and trains the soldiers of the United States Army.”

The newly inducted noncommissioned officers each signed the “Charge to the Newly Promoted Noncommissioned Officer,” a document that explains their future duties and responsibilities.

Sgt. Latisha Green, a supply sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, said she was extremely proud to be a part of the noncommissioned officer induction ceremony.

“It’s an honor to be inducted into the NCO corps,” said Green. “I look forward to mentoring, leading, and setting the right example for my soldiers. I want to embody courage so that they may do the same, and I want them to know that I will always be there to encourage and support them in all their endeavors.”