NCOs showing Soldiers how to succeed

Photo By 1st Sgt. Justin A. Naylor | Sgt. Randall Williams, a Round Rock, Texas, native and a convoy commander with 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, waits patiently as his target is graded after a marksmanship event that was part of the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter competition on Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Oct. 23. This event was a chance for Williams to show his Soldier his dedication to performing at his best, and thereby encouraging them to do the same.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

10.23.2009

Story by Spc. Justin A. Naylor 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq—Between pre-combat inspections, carrying out missions, instructing classes, assisting officers and performing specialized jobs, the responsibilities of a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army seem endless. But of all their duties, one of the most important is setting a positive example for other Soldiers.

Setting the example is a daily undertaking, as evidenced by the NCOs that competed in the NCO of the Quarter competition held on FOB Warrior, Oct. 23.

"You owe it them to perform at your best level," said Sgt. Randall Williams, a Round Rock, Texas, native and a convoy commander with 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and the winner of the competition.

If Soldiers see their NCOs competing in these competitions, it takes away any excuse they might have to not do their best. They have been provided a positive example and shown how to perform at a higher level, and it encourages them to try and follow that lead, according to Williams.

"You take from other leaders throughout your career," he added. "Somewhere down the line you hope they remember something you taught them."

For the junior Soldier who won Soldier of the Quarter competition that same day, NCOs played a huge role in getting him to where he is now.

"They've taught me everything I've needed to know," said Spc. Levi Bannigan, a Cincinnati, Ohio, native and a cavalry scout with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT.

"That's an NCO's job...to train Soldiers," explained Bannigan.

According to Bannigan, his NCOs helped prepare him for the competition by training him thoroughly on basic Soldier skills, including land navigation, operating a radio, firing his weapon, functions check on the M203 grenade launcher and performing first aid, all of which were tested during both the NCO and Soldier of the Quarter competitions.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without my NCOs."

It is very rewarding for a NCO to see his Soldiers perform well in a competition like this because they are actually seeing the outcome of their coaching, teaching and mentoring, explained Sgt. Maj. Christopher Frediani, a Pflugerville, Texas, native and an operations sergeant major for 2nd BCT.

By actually taking part in a competition such as the NCO of the Quarter, the NCOs are also showing their Soldiers that they have the courage, competence, commitment and drive to bring the best out of themselves, according to Frediani.

"They set the example for their Soldiers."

• Date Taken: 10.23.2009
• Date Posted: 10.27.2009 02:34
• Story ID: 40709
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ