CAMP SABALU-HARRISON, Afghanistan -- Forty-eight Soldiers of Task Force Protector were inducted into the ranks of the Army noncommissioned officer corps here, June 14, 2012 as part of the unit's celebration of the 237th birthday of the United States Army.
The NCO induction ceremony, led by Command Sgt. Maj. Dawn J. Rippelmeyer, senior enlisted advisor to the commander, Task Force Protector, is a formal recognition of the responsibilities and duties that Soldiers accept when they acquire the rank of corporal, and embody throughout the rest of their careers as NCOs.
"It is important that these young NCOs hear the creed and understand the charge placed before them, so that they can fulfill the obligations of our corps," said Rippelmeyer.
The formal ceremony started with a speech about the history and importance of the NCO corps. The 48 new inductees were then asked to stand, and with the recommendation of their company first sergeant, they were ordered to "Toe the line," by Rippelmeyer. Following the order, the Soldiers grouped into a small formation and stood ready to accept the responsibility of the position they fill as noncommissioned officers. The Soldiers repeated "The Noncommissioned Officer Charge" as Rippelmeyer stood before the formation, guiding the group through the statement of affirmation.
"I will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which I have been promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. I understand that Soldiers of lesser rank are required to obey my lawful orders. Accordingly, I accept responsibility for their actions. As a noncommissioned officer, I accept the charge to observe and follow the orders and directions given by supervisors acting according to the laws, articles and rules governing the discipline of the Army, I will correct conditions detrimental to the readiness thereof. In so doing, I will fulfill my greatest obligation as a leader and thereby confirm my status as a noncommissioned officer."
On completion of the charge, the Soldiers shook hands with Rippelmeyer and his or her battalion senior enlisted leader, then passed through an archway inscribed with the words, "No one is more professional than I." This statement is a stanza from the NCO Creed and served to motivate and empower the Soldiers who passed through the archway.
"Being an NCO at each level isn't easy," said the ceremony's guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Charles V. Sasser Jr., command sergeant major, Combined Joint Task Force 1. "NCOs have made history here, and you will continue to make history throughout your careers," said Sasser.
The ceremony closed with the singing of "The Military Police Regimental March" and "The Army Song."
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