FORT LEE, Va. (Oct. 8, 2015) -- • Be a professional and don't allow decisions to become personal.
• Know your Soldiers because their well-being is your responsibility.
• Enforce the standards and make decisions consistent with Army values.
These were among the words of advice offered by Command Sgt. Maj. Terry E. Parham Sr., top enlisted leader of the Combined Arms Support Command, while speaking to the 10 honorees of a 23rd Quartermaster Brigade Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at the Post Field House Friday evening.
About 50 brigade leaders and cadre -- most of them senior NCOs -- attended the event that also was billed as a dining-in. The function was originally scheduled to take place at Training Area 27, Fort Lee range complex, but persistent rain forced the organizers to move it indoors. Location, however, had little impact on its significance, noted Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Kelly Jr., 23rd QM Bde. CSM.
"It all boils down to the tradition of welcoming another group of Soldiers into the NCO Corps," Kelly said. "It sends the message this accomplishment is a pivotal moment in a military member's career. These individuals are now recognized leaders of Soldiers and we want them to feel that time-honored lineage of our corps, the backbone of the Army.
"On top of that," Kelly added, "events like these promote camaraderie and team spirit within the organization. We were going for unique when we selected the outdoor location. I don't think it changed any of the intended impact by moving it here."
The ceremony began with the usual trappings of an official military function -- arrival of the official party, national anthem (sung by Spc. Travis Byrd) and an invocation. The agenda then moved along to a cake cutting and dinner service by Mr. B's, a local caterer. After all guests were served, a group of Soldiers -- Spc. Shannon White, Spc. Richard Warren, Spc. Ozella Amankwah and Spc. Jarrad Adams -- recited passages from "A Soldier's Request."
"Treat me with respect, sergeant, for no heart in all the world is more loyal than that of an American Soldier," is its opening line. "Do not beat my spirit with your words, sergeant, for through I will do what you demand; your guidance, patience and understanding will more quickly teach me to 'be, know and do.'"
The inductees responded with the "NCO Creed." Its passages speak of the pride, discipline and competence the Army demands of its premier trainers. "My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers," reads one of its lines. "I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role."
Parham then offered his remarks, noting that he opted to speak "from the heart" rather than reading a pre-written speech.
"Always keep in mind that Soldiers will listen to what you say, but they also pay close attention to what you do … every day, all of the time," he advised. "To them, you represent the Army; what it means to be a professional Soldier. That's an enormous responsibility because it means you're not just shaping the actions of others, but also the attitudes. It's the very definition of being a role model."
Knowing the Soldiers one is responsible for also is important, Parham said. Effective NCOs can easily spot a troubled individual in their charge and offer a listening ear, unit assistance and/or referral to support services if needed.
"Understand what it means to lead by example," he continued. "Will you make mistakes in life? Absolutely. Anyone who doesn't is not trying hard enough. … What you can't do, however, is go out and do something that destroys the trust our Army and junior Soldiers place in you. Breaking the law, inappropriate conduct, any action that destroys the image of professionalism your rank is meant to represent is simply not acceptable."
Another key to strong leadership is understanding trust is not defined by one's looks or personality, according to the CSM.
"Soldiers don't care where you came from. They don't care what you look like, about your gender or your ethnicity," he said. "They care about being trained. They care about being respected as human beings. They care about consistent rules and standards. If you stay that kind of leader, Soldiers will follow you. They will do what you ask them to do because they know you are what right looks like."
Later recapping some of the key leadership traits he mentioned, Parham observed, "All of these things read well on paper and they make great sound bites in a speech, but they're just words if nobody executes the actions. You can say the same thing about the NCO Creed, the Warrior Ethos, the Soldiers Creed, the constitution, the law, and so much else. If you don't live them and breathe them, they're meaningless. In the end, that's what this is all about. It's recognizing what we have been charged to do as leaders in this nation's Army."
The ceremony concluded with the honorees' recitation of the "NCO Charge" -- an oath to uphold the responsibilities of their new rank. Each inductee was then introduced as he or she walked through the NCO arch flanked by two Soldiers with raised sabers. Kelly and Parham presented each of them a signed copy of the "NCO Charge."
"It felt great being part of this event," said Sgt. Joshua Nichols, who was among the inductees. "I really appreciate the show of support from my fellow NCOs from the brigade; it means a lot to have them here welcoming me to their ranks. This event definitely inspired me to be the best noncommissioned officer I can be."
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