CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Over 20 Army National Guardsmen were welcomed to the longstanding Corps of the noncommissioned officer during the 935th Aviation Support Battalion’s NCO Induction Ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Dec. 5, 2018.
Senior enlisted leaders assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Sedalia, Missouri; 935th ASB, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri; 1-108th Assault Helicopter Battalion, headquartered in Topeka, Kansas; and 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, headquartered in West Jordan, Utah, participated in the ceremony recognizing the junior noncommissioned officers’ rite of passage and transformation from Soldier to leader.
“It was a great experience, I was very excited,” said newly promoted U.S. Army Sgt. Markitta Carter, a human resources sergeant assigned to Headquarters and Support Company, 935th ASB. “I was very happy to be a part of the ceremony.”
Carter, who received her promotion Oct. 17, 2018, said she is eager to take on the duties required of an Army sergeant. She takes pride in having the ability to mentor junior Soldiers.
“The NCO induction ceremony is an important step that Soldiers take as they transition from being ‘one of the Joes’ to becoming a member of the time-honored NCO Corp,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Durr, the senior enlisted leader of the 935th ASB. “As senior NCOs, it's our responsibility to ensure our junior NCOs understand where we come from - as a professional NCO Corps and that our traditions and history are not lost.”
The corps, also known as “The Backbone of the Army,” was established with the Continental Army of the American colonies, June 14, 1775. NCOs have since been charged with upholding the standards and traditions of the Army.
An NCO’s duties include acting as primary trainer of both Army tasks and technical skills; maintaining and enforcing standards, setting the example for junior Soldiers to follow; and mentoring and caring for Soldiers.
Traditionally, before a Soldier could be recognized as an NCO, they were required to take part in four guard duties, or watches. Each watch symbolized the growth of an enlisted Soldier.
U.S. Army Sgt. Russell Bridges, a supply sergeant assigned to HSC, demonstrated the scenes of the first three watches during the induction ceremony to reflect the transition from a junior Soldier, interacting with his peers, to standing at attention waiting to be inspected by his first sergeant. During the fourth watch, the Soldier figuratively crosses a threshold to join the ranks of the NCO.
Following Bridges’ demonstration, the inductees reported to their respective senior enlisted leaders. Each sponsored NCO crossed under an arch, which was adorned with the many ranks of an enlisted leader. This symbolized the act of stepping into the role of the NCO. After completing their transition, they each received a signed copy of the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer and the Army Noncommissioned Officer Guide.
The newly inducted NCOs then recited the Charge of the Noncommissioned Officer, which is an oath that affirms individual acceptance and personal accountability to the duties and responsibilities of an Army Sergeant.
As the standard-bearers of the Army, NCOs uphold the traditions and duties of the enlisted force. This is perhaps the most important and essential responsibility; to fulfill all obligations placed on NCOs. The induction ceremony impresses an understanding of such commitment to junior leaders.
“In the end, inductees have a greater appreciation for their responsibilities as NCOs including maintaining standards, discipline, training, and the welfare of our Soldiers,” said Durr.