Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Glenn Ballantyne, a platoon sergeant with Company C, 1st Battalion, 18th...... read more read more
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By: Sgt.1st Class Jonathan S. DeLong
BAGHDAD — Four non-commissioned officers from 1st “Vanguards” Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center competed Feb. 15 at Camp Taji, Iraq, to be among the newest members named to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, which recognizes the best of the best among the NCO corps.
Named after one of the most famous NCOs in Army history, the SAMC was created in 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas, by Lt. Gen. Crosbie Saint and Command Sgt. Maj. George Horvath to honor Murphy’s service to the nation and to create a group for the finest NCOs Fort Hood had to offer. By 1994, it had spread Army-wide.
Murphy served with great distinction with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division during World War II and fought with his unit in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He was the recipient of 33 awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor and is widely regarded as the most decorated NCO in the U.S. Army.
The battalion-level competition was developed and conducted by Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Evans, a native of Columbia, S.C., command sergeant major of 1st Bn., 18th Inf. Regt. Evans himself was inducted into the SAMC in 1999 as a sergeant first class.
“Being inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a significant accomplishment for any non-commissioned officer within the formation,” Evans said. “It is a time [for inductees] to set themselves apart from their peers, accept the challenge and get after it.”
The competition was designed to challenge the NCOs in physical fitness, technical and tactical proficiency, leadership, military and Audie Murphy-related knowledge.
During the evaluation, the nominees were given a physical training test in which they had to score at least 90 points, on a 100-point scale, in each event. After completing this, they conducted an eight-mile foot march to a rifle qualification range where they conducted a “stress shoot,” or a firing while tired and under pressure, to qualify with their assigned weapon.
Their next tasks consisted of evaluations of their ability to conduct first aid, read maps, operate a radio, submit an unexploded ordnance report, and conduct weapons and vehicle maintenance.
After these evaluations, the NCOs appeared before a board which was chaired by first sergeants from within the battalion, SAMC members, and Evans. The board covered all aspects of leadership and military knowledge, as well as the history of Audie Murphy and of the club.
When asked of the preparation and motivation to strive to become a member, each participant agreed it was a way to set themselves apart from their peers and be a part of a great organization.
Many also said it was a difficult process to prepare for the board while also accomplishing their daily mission in Iraq. And to mentally get ready, the NCO’s had to stick to an exhaustive study schedule.
“I studied with other platoon sergeants and the first sergeant in my company who [are] members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Thorpe, a platoon sergeant with Company F, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment and a Roxboro, N.C., native.
For many candidates, the physical aspect of the board proved to be difficult but rewarding.
“The physical aspect was a fun challenge which pushed me to improve myself,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Speris, a squad leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.
Overall, Evans said he was pleased with the hard work of the participants and expects more NCOs to attend future boards.
“The soldiers who attended the board today are the true champions,” he said. “They accepted the challenge to rise to the top.”
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2011 07:56 |
| Story ID: | 66051 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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