CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) across Eighth Army competed in the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) selection board at Camp Humphreys, May 4th & 5th, 2026, testing their physical fitness, leadership and knowledge under pressure.
Board members evaluated candidates through the Army Fitness Test, written exams and a final selection board to measure performance, critical thinking and leadership under pressure.
Candidates pushed through the Army Fitness Test, demonstrating strength, endurance and resilience. These physically demanding events support Eighth Army’s “Fight Tonight” readiness by ensuring leaders can operate effectively in high-stress environments and respond to any contingency on the Korean Peninsula.
Candidates also completed written exams and essays, testing their knowledge of Army doctrine and their ability to communicate clearly.
“You have to put a lot of dedication into being a SAMC member,” said Sgt. Dakota Parker, assigned to 423rd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. “The hardest part is studying all the material, but it makes you better as a noncommissioned officer and helps you focus on things you might have overlooked.”
The selection board identifies NCOs who represent the highest standards of the force and demonstrate a strong commitment to taking care of Soldiers and supporting their families.
“Most people put it on the back burner, but actually committing yourself is the hardest part of the process,” said 1st Sgt. Murvel King, the United Nations Command Honor Guard first sergeant.
The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a prestigious U.S. Army organization for enlisted leaders, recognizing those whose leadership and performance set them apart from their peers.
For many candidates, the board represents both a professional goal and an opportunity to grow as a leader.
“It’s been one of my goals since I enlisted,” said Staff Sgt. Esteban Aguirre, assigned to 423rd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. “It’s a great organization where you can connect with other leaders.”
The selection process reinforces the role of NCOs as the backbone of the Army by developing disciplined, capable leaders ready to deter aggression and defend the Korean Peninsula.
“I was very nervous. The final selection board was a challenge I knew I needed to take on. I’ve been studying for months,” said Staff Sgt. Katherine Gil-Carrizales, assigned to Eighth Army. “The SAMC benefits the Army because it is a leadership program. It has a lot of history about Sgt. Audie Murphy, but it’s not just about him. It develops leaders, allows leaders to mentor each other, and helps us find resources to become better leaders and spread that information across Eighth Army.”
NCOs who earn induction into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club carry the responsibility to uphold its legacy and continue to lead from the front.