1st Sgt. Raymond Belk, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, lights a candle during the NCO Induction ceremony. The red candle represents the past and is symbolical for valor, blood, sweat and tears NCOs sacrificed for the defense ...

Sgt. Alexandra Tuitasi, food service specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, crosses underneath swords during a Non Commissioned Officer Induction ceremony at Kadena Air base Hangar 3, Okinawa, Jap...

Command Sgt. Maj. Shelton Williamson, command sgt. maj., 10th Regional Support Group, talks with Command Master Chief, Satoshi Obata (centered), master chief, Air Wing Five, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as a Japanese Ground Self Defense Force S...

Sgt. Roger K. Euller, patriot missile operator maintainer, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, presents Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Hunt, command sgt. maj., 8th Theater Sustainment Command, with a plaque for serving as the guest s...

In a similar but modern fashion approximately 90 Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors participated in a ceremony for their rite of passage marching through glistening silver swords during a Non-Commissioned Officer Induction ceremony Jan. 24th at Kadena Air Base Marine Corps Hangar, 3.

The ceremony served as a celebration for new or recently promoted NCO's joining the Corps while emphasizing the pride NCO's share as the backbone of the military.

Command Sgt. Maj. Shelton Williamson, command sgt. maj., 10th Regional Support Group hosted the ceremony.

"The importance of the NCO Induction Ceremony is to expose our young Soldiers to the traditions of transitioning from a Soldier to a Leader and additionally to render honor to NCOs of the past who have paved the way for NCOs of the present," said Williamson.

The event began as Williamson shouted, "close the door and do not let anyone in or out." The command was followed by a loud and thunderous slamming of the hangar door signifying the start of the ceremony.

Next, the audience was introduced to history of the NCO followed by a presentation that involved junior ranking Soldiers sounding off with their requests to all NCOs in attendance. Their requests were simple and straight to the point requesting to be trained properly, taken care of and to not be mistreated but more importantly to be trained to become sergeants themselves.

Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan J. Hunt III, command sgt. maj., 8th Theater Sustainment Command, served as the guest speaker for the event and talked about the importance of being NCO's who can lead their Soldiers, Sailors or Airmen.

"Be committed not only to yourselves but to your unit and more importantly your troops and the military." said Hunt

Hunt's message was not only intend for the 10th RSG Soldiers. The ceremony was unique in that the 10th RSG included their counterparts from the Air Force on Okinawa and NCO's from the Japanese Ground and Maritime Self Defense Forces. The ceremony helped foster the bi-lateral relationship between the American and Japanese military forces.

Command Master Chief Satoshi Obata, master chief, Air Wing Five, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, said he believes the ceremony enhanced and strengthen the relationship between the U S and Japanese troops.

"This is our first time here and we're honored to be here. This helps strengthen our relationships with the United States Army on Okinawa." said Obata.

At the end of the ceremony all of the participants had a chance to talk and share information. In true form the ceremony afforded everyone the opportunity to network and develop new professional relationships.

Soldiers who participated in the ceremony were given an NCO Professional Development session from Hunt and a briefing from Army's Human Resources Command updating Soldiers on the many changes to the force and how it will impact the Army.

Williamson added the command is looking forward to the next quarterly ceremony where the Marines were invited to participate.

" This ceremony regardless of service helps to preserve the tradition of distinctive service of NCOs, and to stimulate esprit de corps " said Williamson.