NCO induction ceremony held at Seitz

Photo By Capt. Monika Comeaux | Command Sgt. Maj. Corbin Skerrit, the command sergeant major of 18th Corps Support Battalion addresses participants at an NCO induction ceremony held at Logbase Seitz on Apr. 19.  

LOGISTICAL BASE SEITZ, IRAQ

05.05.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

LOGISTICAL BASE SEITZ, Iraq " The 18th Corps Support Battalion welcomed 35 noncommissioned officers from six subordinate units into the NCO Corps with a ceremony in April at the Logistical Base Seitz MWR building.

Sponsoring NCOs walked in and introduced the new NCOs to the distinguished guests, official party and the audience.

Once all inductees were seated, Command Sgt. Maj. Corbin Skerrit, the command sergeant major of the 18th CSB provided a short review on the history of the NCO corps. As he explained, the U.S. Army has a lot of nice traditions in its 230-year history, however "until very recently, one of the most important events in the life of a Soldier, the attainment of his or her very first leadership position, has occurred with little or no formal recognition."

From the historical overview the audience learned that Baron Friedrich von Steuben in his "Blue Book," written in 1778-1779, already realized how important NCOs are in the military and had detailed instructions for them.

He wrote that "each sergeant and corporal will be answerable for the squad committed to his care . . . In dealing with recruits, they must exercise all their patience and while on the march, the noncommissioned officers must preserve order and regularity."

After the overview, the ceremony continued with three sergeants reciting the NCO Creed. As they were doing so, they lit a red, a white and a blue candle.

Red represents hardness and valor, white stands for purity and innocence, and blue being justice and vigilance. The audience and inductees watched in silence, as the little flames danced in the air.

"We were a little nervous, a little excited," said Sgt. Robert Walkup, one of the inductees. He is a crane operator in the 503rd Maintenance Company (Direct Support) and was promoted to sergeant last November.

The guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Deidra Jones, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, embraced the words of the NCO Creed in her speech, and shared her interpretation with the inductees and audience.

"The NCO Creed is not just some document written by some noncommissioned officer. It is the foundation for all noncommissioned officers," Jones said. "For me, it is more than a guide, it is a lifeline, and a source of strength when I face trying times and have to make difficult decisions."

Jones also reminded the new NCOs that they are responsible for their Soldiers" well-being at all times. "Always take the time to think out the task or situation at hand prior to making your decision," she said.

"A good leader doesn't rush to failure ... never forget, you hold the future and lives of Soldiers in your hands."

Participants appreciated the attention they received. "It feels good that they did something for the new NCOs," Walkup said. He was happy about the fact that some of the guests like Col. Gustave Perna, the 4th SB commander, and Jones flew in from another camp to participate in the ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, all inductees received a copy of FM 7-22.7, The Army Noncommissioned Officer Guide, to provide guidance throughout their career.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2006
• Date Posted: 05.05.2006 03:40
• Story ID: 6280
• Location: LOGISTICAL BASE SEITZ, IQ