Photo By Master Sgt. Brock Jones | 1st Sgt. Willie Singleton, a native of Chicago, who serves as the senior enlisted...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Brock Jones
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The rank advancement from specialist to sergeant in the Army represents a big step in the life of a non-commissioned officer. Greater responsibility, higher expectations and an increased necessity to take care of Soldiers become a part of the NCOs life as soon as he or she is promoted to corporal or sergeant.
The Division Special Troops Battalion NCO Induction Ceremony, held at the Camp Liberty Field House, June 30, provided those in attendance the opportunity to recognize 18 newly promoted sergeants from DSTB, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and, in the process, offered a moment to reflect on what excellence in leadership means and the significance of wearing the title "sergeant."
"What does it really mean to be called a sergeant?" asked Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., who serves as the senior enlisted leader with 4th Inf. Div., and MND-B. "I'll tell you what it means to me. It means you're the tip of the spear. It means that the buck stops with you. It means you are the standard bearer for all Soldiers to follow. And finally, it means that you are the first line of defense for indiscipline and failed standards."
There's no doubt about the importance of the NCO's role in today's combat environment and the harsh realities associated with leading Soldiers.
"In this environment, sergeants are responsible for the life and death of their Soldiers. Make no mistake – it's that simple," he said.
The gravity of the NCO's role in today's Army is simple in concept, yet often difficult in execution. Decisions must be made, often quickly. Initiative by the leader is expected in the absence of orders. The NCO is looked to for answers to difficult questions.
"Once I became a non-commissioned officer, the first thing that happened was people started looking to me for answers – and I didn't always have the answers," said Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Parker, a native of Warsaw, N.C., who serves as the senior enlisted leader with the DSTB.
When questions arise and help is needed, an NCO is responsible for seeking out guidance, he said.
Such guidance can be found in the Creed of the Non-commissioned Officer, the defining document for enlisted leaders as to what an NCO should be and how an NCO should act. It gives direction on how to accomplish the two basic responsibilities of an NCO as outlined by the Creed itself: accomplishment of mission and welfare of Soldiers. The Creed is memorized by NCOs upon advancing to the rank of sergeant. It is reviewed often and lived by the best enlisted leaders in the Army.
"No matter what issue you have, if you look to the NCO Creed, the answer is there," said Gioia. "If you are ever in doubt, look toward the Creed. The answer you are looking for lies within."
To be considered a great leader, to be viewed as a model NCO, one must not only search out the answers but must also take action, setting an example for those watching to follow.
"To be an NCO, I just think you have to leave an impression on Soldiers," said Sgt. David Reichley, a native of Kingston, Ohio, who serves as an imagery analyst assigned to Company B, DSTB, and one of the 18 sergeants inducted into the NCO Corps during the ceremony. "There's no set way to be an NCO except to set a good example for Soldiers."
Gioia provided an instance from his own career of the effectiveness of a leader who leads by example and the impact such leaders can have on the lives of their Soldiers.
"He (a Marine Corps Sgt. Maj.) used to say 'What Soldier have you impacted in the last 24 hours? And if not? Why not?' Think about that for a minute," said Gioia. "If we impact one Soldier a day for the rest of our careers as NCOs – what a difference that would make," he said.
There are times when being an NCO, when impacting lives, can be a difficult job. Being the go-to person, making tough decisions in life-or-death situations, and leading Soldiers on today's ever-changing battlefield is possibly the most demanding job in the world. However, permanently impacting the lives of Soldiers while accomplishing those dangerous missions defines what it means to be an Army non-commissioned officer. Changing Soldier's lives for good while doing such a demanding job is the hallmark of excellent leadership.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2008 11:53 |
| Story ID: | 21109 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 323 |
| Downloads: | 298 |
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