FORT SILL, Okla. -- "No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers."
For Soldiers who join the ranks of noncommissioned officers (NCO), these words are part of a creed that personifies their new role as leaders. First introduced in 1974, and later approved for publication in 1985, the "Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer" offers a guideline for NCOs to live by.
On Jan. 15, 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery hosted an NCO induction ceremony to formally recognize and welcome newly promoted sergeants into the ranks of their unit and the Army.
"We wanted to continue a tradition that has long been standing in the Army but was a distant ceremony due to ongoing war in the Middle East. Now that war is not the priority, we can get back to the basics," said Sgt. 1st Class Lucas Goupil.
The sergeant first class added induction ceremonies build the corp and restore the luster of the NCO ranks.
"It signifies their transformation from the led to leader giving them the understanding to separate themselves from the juniors and the understanding they are now officially a part of the NCO corps," he said.
Although ceremonies like this are nothing new to the Army, it is an important part of tradition to hold them and recognize new young leaders.
"To be an NCO means being able to make a difference in the lives of Soldiers; being able to be that line between the good and the bad; the standard bearer," said Sgt. Savannah Tolbert, one of the newly inducted NCOs. "To me, this ceremony is very important because of the tradition. My mother went through it, and to now go through it myself is an honor."
The NCO is the backbone of the Army and are often likened to where the rubber meets the road. NCOs offer Soldiers leadership, counseling and mentorship and serve as Soldiers first line leader.
"I hope in the future, this ceremony will accomplish the mental transformation for led to leader, I hope it rebuilds the understanding in the new NCOs that there is always someone to help you accomplish the mission other NCOs. The last thing I hope the ceremony does by holding it, I hope it gives NCOs a sense of belonging and guides them in direction with purpose and reason," said Goupil.
With any military organization, change is always a constant, but since 1775 those serving in the rank of the NCO continue to be the unwavering and constant driving force in the Army.
Social Sharing