53rd MCB Conducts NCO Induction Ceremony in Poland

POZNAN, Poland - 'No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers.' - Creed Of The Noncommissioned Officer

Throughout the long and honored history of the United States military, noncommissioned officers (NCOs) have been looked upon to lead the nations finest, to victory.

In a polish gymnasium in Poznan, Poland, 13 newly promoted NCOs assigned to 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, and 53rd Movement Control Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade, Fort Eustis, Virginia, sat side-by-side as they were each inducted into the time honored corps known as "the backbone" of the Army.

The induction ceremony is a celebration of the newly promoted Soldiers joining the ranks of a professional noncommissioned officer corps and emphasizes and builds on the pride shared as members of such an elite corps.

The ceremony also serves to honor the memory of the men and women of the corps who have served with pride and distinction.

"Being a noncommissioned officer for as long as I have," said Sgt. Maj. Keith E. Green, a senior enlisted logistics sergeant major assigned to 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. "I have had the privilege to serve in all positions of leadership. These newly inducted NCOs can now lead the future of our military. I encourage them to lead with honesty, to ensure that their Soldiers are trained the right way and trained to standard. If they take care of their Soldiers, their Soldiers will take care of them."

During the induction ceremony, junior enlisted Soldiers, who have yet to enter into the NCO Corps, each took turns reciting lines from 'A Soldier's Request', asking the newly inducted sergeants to lead them to success as past NCOs have done.

"I look forward to leading the future of today's Army," said Sgt. Thomas Barry, a transportation management coordinator assigned to 53rd MCB. "Like the 'Creed of The noncommissioned Officer' says 'No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers.' I take that to heart, I want to set the example for Soldiers and show them what it means to be a leader."

During the ceremony, the inductees pass through a wooden archway, decorated with the achievable ranks of the NCO Corps, symbolizing their passage from the junior enlisted rank to the rank of a NCO.

"It is always an honor to welcome new NCO's into the NCO Corps," said Green. "I have no doubt that these Soldiers will lead our Army to accomplish great things."