Photo By Sgt. Wesley Landrum | Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Bailey, a quick reaction force patrol leader with the 92nd Chemical...... read more read more
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By Spc. Wesley Landrum
50th Public Affairs Detachment
KUWAIT - After the military, Murphy went on to become an actor even starring in the movie "To Hell and Back," which was based on a book of the same name based on Murphy's experiences in World War II.
In 1986, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club was started at Fort Hood, Texas, to honor the Soldiers who best exemplify what it means to be a non-commissioned officer. Master Sgt. Ruby Murray, president of the SAMC chapter in Kuwait, has been a member of the club for almost eight years. She said being in the club helps NCOs be more complete.
"It allows you to be yourself as a non-commissioned officer," Murray said. "We're not perfect but at the same time we go deeper into the guidelines, deeper into the regulations to keep abreast of what the Army is looking for when it comes to the total package of NCOs."
Murray said a NCO is recommended for admission into the SAMC by their sergeant major or first sergeant.
To qualify, the potential candidate must have two non-commissioned officer evaluation reports under their belt in a leadership position. After recommendation, there are three phases to becoming a member of the prestigious club. First is the studying.
"This gives you an opportunity to meet everyone who's going through the course at these sessions.
Besides the studying, the candidates are getting ready for the physical fitness portion of the course. After 30 days, a PT test is given.
"Our standards are 270, meaning you have to get 90 points in each event," Murray said.
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Bailey, a newly inducted member of the SAMC from the 92nd Chemical Company, said he spent a lot of hours studying.
"It was tough but very rewarding. There was a lot of studying about different things and aspects of the Army," Bailey said. "I burned a lot of midnight oil studying to get the specific study areas down. I also learned a lot about myself that I did not even know."
For those who make it past the first phase, it's on to stage two - the battalion level board. Murray said each candidate must pass the board to move to the next phase. At the board, the candidate goes over the biography of Audie Murphy.
They also go over the NCO Creed, Soldiers' creed and the Dog-Face Soldier Song – the division song of the Third Infantry Division that Murphy was a member of during World War II.
After passing the battalion board, it's on to the U.S. Army Central level board. From there, either they are going to make it or they're not. Everyone on the board has to vote unanimously yes in order for the candidate to be inducted into the club. Bailey said it's easy to spot a member of the SAMC by the way they carry themselves in public.
"Over the last few years I've looked at the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club and the members. When I look at a member, I see them as what right looks like," he said. "I've watched them and their leadership styles and they are professional non-commissioned officers, the epitome of the non-commissioned officer corps and to stand here with them is truly an honor."
Bailey said if one is looking for a challenge, then the SAMC is the club for you.
"If you're ready to put your heart into it, if you're ready to do the work and burn some late-night oil, if you're ready to learn something about yourself and your Soldiers and how to talk care of your Soldiers, I say do it," Bailey said.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2008 07:37 |
| Story ID: | 18865 |
| Location: | KW |
| Web Views: | 269 |
| Downloads: | 232 |
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