NCO induction: Twenty-three new enlisted leaders welcomed to the ranks

By Ms Chrystal Smith (IMCOM)June 10, 2011

NCO induction: Twenty-three new enlisted leaders welcomed to the ranks
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - Twenty-two sergeants and one corporal were formally inducted into one of the Army’s longstanding institutions during a ceremony to honor some of Wiesbaden’s newly minted noncommissioned officers.

The 102nd Signal Battalion and 1st Military Intelligence Battalion held a Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony May 25 at Wiesbaden’s Taunus Theater to honor Soldiers who had recently achieved the milestone.

“It’s a defining moment in an NCO’s career. … It’s an opportunity to officially be declared an NCO in front of their peers,” said 1st MI Command Sgt. Maj. David Little, who said the ceremony is a public display of trust the Army places on an NCO.

The honored Soldiers participated in a daylong forum the day before that educated Soldiers on topics relevant to the responsibilities of an NCO.

Keynote speaker Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Brooks, 2nd Signal Brigade, gave the junior NCOs additional advice to help propel them through their lives as NCOs.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” said Brooks. “NCOs have a tremendous influence on their subordinates. … Success is judged by how many you help through the ranks.”

For the entire existence of the Army, NCOs have been hailed as the organization’s backbone by Army leaders. They are charged with the responsibilities of leading, training and protecting the more junior enlisted troops while maintaining the Army standard.

For this reason, Brooks was careful to counsel the inductees on one point, if maintained, that would contribute immensely to their success.

“Soldiers are more interested in how much you care than in how much you know,” he said. “If we take care of the Soldiers, the mission gets taken care of.”

As Brooks shared a wealth of advice with the new NCOs, some looked ahead to fulfilling the responsibilities of their future positions.

“I look forward to showing knowledge I’ve gained with other junior enlisted as well as preparing them to become NCOs,” said Sgt. Donique Kirk, Wiesbaden Health Clinic, who said the ceremony “solidifies what I am.”

“I’m looking forward to taking the next step and helping others get to where I am,” said Sgt. Berlyn DeVera, 2nd Signal Brigade, who added that the weight of this induction will ultimately impact her two younger sisters who are also enlisted in the junior ranks of the Army. “My success is theirs. If I turn out and quit, then I’m showing them something different.”

And though the faces and names are different every time, one thing remains consistent with each induction, according to Brooks. “There’s one thing that hasn’t changed; that’s the pride I see in our noncommissioned officers.”

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