FORT SILL, Okla. (Dec. 12, 2014) -- Soldiers, families and friends of the 214th Fires Brigade gathered Dec. 2 in Sheridan Theater to support and recognize the achievements of 14 newly promoted sergeants in a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony.
The event honored the new NCOs and instilled in them the respect and gravity of their new positions as the "backbone of the Army."
"This induction ceremony is one way we honor our newest noncommissioned officers, and help them to feel the tradition and responsibility that goes along with their positions," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Aaron, 214th FiB CSM and the event's host. "It is also a way for leaders to show junior Soldiers the standard and provide them with the inspiration to one day stand in their place and become noncommissioned officers."
While not a promotion ceremony in which the inductees were given rank or position, the induction of the recently promoted into the NCO Corps through the ceremony served to fortify the significance and responsibilities of the rank and position.
Receiving one's chevrons and being called sergeant by subordinates is only half of the promotion. Instilling the values reflected in "The NCO Creed" and placing the needs of subordinates before one's own is the other.
This selflessness and other values required of a leader were apparent at all stages of the event. With lights low, Soldiers told the history of the NCO Corps and the sacrifices required of one who wishes to lead. With lights up, Soldiers in historic uniforms marched down the aisles reciting the Soldier's request. "I ask no greater glory, sergeant, than to defend our country and our way of life, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Allow me that privilege, sergeant ... train me," called out one in BDUs and old style rucksack.
Brigade NCOs recited "The NCO Creed" at another point of the ceremony: "I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!" shouted Staff Sgt. Loretta Gonsales, wearing camouflage from Operation Desert Storm.
These spectacles of panache and examples of discipline stressed the importance placed on the ceremony by its participants and organizers.
"The ceremony meant a lot to me," said inductee Sgt. Brittany Scott, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 214th FiB. "Attaining the rank of sergeant took a lot of hard work and to be inducted in front of my subordinates, peers and seniors made me feel proud. Most of all it reminded me of my responsibilities, both to my Soldiers and as a member of the backbone of the Army."
Guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Moriarty, Field Artillery School CSM, inspired the new sergeants by talking about NCOs in history, advising on challenges and reminding of duties.
"NCOs are the backbone of the Army, and courage is the backbone of the NCO," he said.
After taking "The Oath of the NCO" and vowing to uphold the traditions of the corps, the newly inducted NCOs passed through an archway adorned with the ranks of the Army NCOs. Crossing this "Threshold of Authority," the newly inducted sergeants joined the backbone of the Army and a historic group of men and women whose heritage traces itself to the Army of Washington, Valley Forge and a continent dreaming of liberty.
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