FORT HOOD, Texas - The 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony Oct. 1 at Fort Hood, Texas.
A celebration of newly promoted sergeants to the corps, the ceremony serves to officially welcome NCOs to their new life and responsibility as noncommissioned officers.
"We are bringing the tradition back," said Command Sgt. Maj. Edgar Fuentes, command sergeant major of the 2-82 FA. "We need to know where we come from and where we are going."
Because of the nature of the ceremony, the audience was mostly made of enlisted Soldiers. Onlookers, some who also hope to one day earn NCO stripes, got an opportunity to glance into the possibility of what life might entail as an enlisted leader.
"This ceremony is about keeping the history of the NCO intact. It's about traditions of the U.S. Army," said Fuentes, a Brooklyn, New York, native. "This exemplifies the meaning of becoming an NCO, a leader of Soldiers."
The ceremony began with the arrival of the official party consisting of Lt. Col. Ryan McCormack, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Peare, the command sergeant major of the 3rd BCT.
The master of ceremonies then read an excerpt about what it means to be an NCO, which includes supporting commissioned officers in accomplishing the overall unit mission by training, leading and motivating Soldiers every hour of the day.
The 20 junior noncommissioned officers being welcomed into the NCO Corps - also known as the backbone of the Army - walked onto the stage in a long line, stopping in front of Fuentes.
"Being an NCO is more than just skills, promotion boards, or even completing courses," said Fuentes, who was also the guest speaker. "It is a change of state-of-mind, because now you are in charge. You are the leader. From now on Soldiers are going to be looking up to you."
An inductee spoke on what being an NCO meant to him.
"I will always do the right thing and provide motivation to influence Soldiers to do their best," said Sgt. Robert Diaz, an Orange County, California, native and artilleryman with the 2-82 FA. "I think doing the right thing no matter what is important...having integrity."
The ceremony contained several unique rites of passage, including a candle-lighting event and then allowing initiates to walk through a large arch signifying their entrance into the NCO Corps.
Fuentes encouraged the new initiates to seek help, guidance and mentorship from senior noncommissioned officers.
"A NCO should never be afraid to try and fail at something," said Fuentes. "They should always reach out to the first sergeants and sergeants major."
"He knew a lot and always expected the best from everyone," said Diaz, recalling a first sergeant he had previously worked with and agreeing with the importance of looking to mentors for help.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the new initiates stood before the battalion and recited in unison the Oath of the Noncommissioned Officer. Enlisted Soldiers throughout the audience then stood up as all NCOs joined together to deliver the NCO Creed.
"Walking on the stage with the other NCOs was the most memorable part of the ceremony," said Diaz. "It felt great to be a part of something. I know that I will never be alone."
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