"No one is more professional than I," is how the creed of the noncommissioned officer begins. Those who hold the distinction of being an NCO are tasked with the health, welfare, training and morale of Soldiers under their care.
Twenty-five newly promoted NCOs from 15th Special Troops Battalion were inducted into the noncommissioned officer corps at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, Dec. 14.
"The NCO induction is a historical ceremony that signifies Soldiers joining the ranks of the NCO corps," said Sgt. 1st Class Andy Hardy, assistant operations noncommissioned officer for 15th STB.
"This means that I am now a leader and a mentor to junior Soldiers around me," said inductee Sgt. Steven Doherty, a heavy wheel vehicle operator from 377th Transportation Company, 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. "I am the example for them to look up to."
The ceremony began with the "Soldiers Request," a prayer from junior Soldiers asking the newly promoted NCOs to teach, train and mentor them so that one day, they too, may become an NCO.
Inductees were then given words of wisdom from Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel J. Bartee Sr., command sergeant major of the 15th Sustainment Brigade.
"For the NCOs being inducted, today symbolizes the heritage and tradition of the NCO corps," said Bartee. "Your job now is to teach, train, coach and mentor the Soldiers around you. As you take the NCO charge, you are now the premier trainers of our Army. America's sons and daughters are in your hands."
After remarks from Bartee, inductees signed their name into a book of all newly inducted NCOs and crossed under an archway of sabers, signifying the move from Soldier to NCO.
"This is more significant that just being promoted," said Sgt. Maj. Kendra D. Wallace, sergeant major of 15th STB. "The idea is that they have now crossed the line from junior Soldier to leader. We are a nation still at war. Our NCOs need to be held accountable … to be effective, proficient leaders."
The ceremony had an impact on not only the inductees, but those recommending them for induction as well.
"Being part of this takes you back to having pride in being an NCO," said 1st Sgt. Carolanne Wright, first sergeant of 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. "You remember and understand where you came from."
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