Staff Sgt. Stanley E. Black
Age: 27
Current Unit: HHC JMTC Grafenwoehr Army Airfield
Current Position: Airfield Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge/Platoon Sergeant
Component: U.S. Army
Current Location: Grafenwoehr Army Airfield
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Years of Service: 8
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - In eight years, Staff Sgt. Stanley E. Black, noncommissioned officer and platoon sergeant at the Grafenwoehr Army Air Field in Grafenwoehr, Germany, has climbed the ranks from Private, E-2, to Staff Sergeant, won the U.S. Army Europe's 2008, Soldier of the Year competition, and in March, trades-in his chevrons for an Army officers stripes.
Black will soon report to Fort Benning Georgia to attend Officer Candidate School.
He's always smiling. He's focused, well-spoken, direct, and to the point about his career progression.
"Like most privates, I really did not know much about the Army. I relied on the NCOs and the more seasoned Soldiers. They taught me how to be at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform with the right attitude," said Black. "When I became a NCO, I knew I had the technical and tactical knowledge to lead Soldiers - to confidently say to the Soldiers, "I will square you away."
Black says winning the U.S. Army Europe's NCO of the Year competition was a significant accomplishment because all of the training required.
"I trained long days, 16 to 18-hours a day, six days per week," he said.
His day started with a 6 a.m. physical fitness test, two 10-12 kilometer foot marches daily, and the rehearsal of warrior tasks, battle drills, and night land navigation skills to ensure he was prepared for the Department of the Army's competition.
He admits his wife is his backbone. She takes care of their two young children and the finances, allowing him to focus on his career.
"Jennifer's support meant I could focus on the task at hand without worrying about the family or the finances," said Black. "That's why I love her so much."
He admits there have been a lot of cancelled plans and vacations over the years.
However, they work as a team, and its paid dividends in his career.
After some reflection, Black says affirmatively he's prepared to take on the additional responsibility of being a commander of troops one day. He says being an NCO is good platform on which to begin his career as an officer.
I've tried to learn something from all of my leaders, and to a degree they have all impacted my career and leadership style, he said.
"My role models are many. Sgt. 1st Class Bowser taught me to be meticulous and 1st Sgt. Truesdale inspired me to give my best. First Sergeant (ret.) Tindall taught me the importance of being empathetic, while 1st Sgt. Haynes, showed me it's possible to "chew" someone out, and simultaneously make them laugh, which allows you to be a firm and fair leader, while communicating you still care for their well-being."
Black says his career is full-circle.
"Initially the plan was for me to complete four years of ROTC at Slippery Rock University, and enter the military as an officer," said Black. "However, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, I decided to join the fight earlier,"
A Pittsburgh native, Black enlisted on Oct. 2, 2001 as an air traffic controller.
"In so many ways my decision to go to OCS is actually returning to the original plan. It was a difficult decision to make," he said. "I wholeheartedly love being an NCO. I enjoy being able to provide mentorship and guidance to junior Soldiers."
There is no greater reward than training a Soldier correctly and seeing them succeed personally and professionally, said Black.
"I think I will be in a better position to set an example and standard of excellence," said Black. "I believe in leading from the front, and what better way to execute than as an officer."
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