Courtesy Photo | Sfc. Angelo Tartaglia, with the Headquarters, Headquarters Company 728th Combat...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Eighteen Soldiers were welcomed into the Noncommissioned Officer corps with an NCO Induction Ceremony at the Keystone Community Center here June 14, 2017.
Every unit in the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion nominated Soldiers to be inducted. The ceremony honored the inductees as well as the role of the NCO.
The Association of the United States Army’s website states, “The NCO induction ceremony is a celebration of the newly promoted joining the ranks of a professional noncommissioned officer corps and emphasizes and builds on the pride we all share as members of such an elite corps. The ceremony should also serve to honor the memory of those men and women of the NCO Corps who have served with pride and distinction.”
CSM Scott Hentz, the Command Sergeant Major of the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, saw potential for this year’s annual training. He understood that a majority of his subordinate companies and detachments would be present and planned the ceremony.
“This type of ceremony is historic, it is based on tradition, morale, camaraderie, esprit de corps, and we do not always take time to do those things. This AT was very busy, and I appreciate that the units made the effort to be here,” Hentz said.
Although this ceremony is important, due to logistic constraints, availability of venues and scheduling issues, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard has had relatively few in the last 10 years.
“This event is up to Battalion, Brigade, and Division level Command Sergeants Major. It is time consuming to set up, but it is a memorable event, if done right,” Hentz said.
Under his guidance, Soldiers from the 3622nd transportation company created an arch for the young NCOs to walk through. This symbolizes stepping into authority and provides the Soldier with the chance to enter into the NCO corps.
Cpl. Shawn Garnes, a finance specialist with the 28th Financial Management Support Company, commented on how rare the event is.
“To be honest, this is my first time hearing of the ceremony,” Garnes said. “But I know the significance behind it. We are starting our journey to be the backbone of the Army and to lead our troops.”
1st. Sgt. Jesse Belsak of the 252nd Quartermaster Company nominated Soldiers to be admitted into the NCO Corps.
“The induction ceremony confirms to the NCOs the responsibility they are going to have. It is also a rite of passage,” Belsak Said. “Coming into the NCO ranks, you are no longer a junior Soldier. You are now expected to step up and take responsibility, and separate yourself form the E4 mentality.”
1st. Belsak spoke fondly of the first ceremony he was involved in when he was inducted in 1992. The signing of the NCO creed was a part of the ceremony that he knows is very important.
“The day I was promoted to sergeant, I was part of an NCO induction ceremony. I was presented with the NCO creed from the state [Command Sergeant Major]. I still have the creed framed, and it is still sitting above my desk. It has been in every office I have ever had, and it reminds me of the duties and responsibilities of the NCO.”
CSM Hentz dedicated many hours to setting up the ceremony, but he wanted to make it clear that the focus should be on the new NCOs.
“This is not about me, it was about those guys out there, and their future. I hope that whoever comes after me takes what I have and builds on it for the benefit of the junior enlisted Soldiers and the young NCOs,” said Hentz.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2017 11:10 |
| Story ID: | 238082 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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