Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Meister | Soldiers from various companies of 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade...... read more read more
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KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - History and tradition were honored as new inductees joined the Army’s Corps of noncommissioned officers during an induction ceremony at Forward Operating Base Walton in Kandahar province, Oct. 1.
Second Stryker Brigade Combat Team- Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Connette, served as the guest speaker and individually welcomed the 28 new inductees.
Joining the Corps – commonly referred to as the “backbone of the Army” – were a group of newly-promoted sergeants from various companies that comprise the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd SBCT.
Connette shared some of his experiences and personal history as an NCO and provided some words of wisdom for the new generation of enlisted leaders.
“As NCOs, you must provide direction and motivate your Soldiers,” said Connette. “Respect your soldiers and gain their respect not through intimidation, but through confidence and support.”
The graduation of a rank-and-file Soldier to a noncommissioned officer traces back to the Army of Frederick the Great in the 1700s. Before a Soldier can be recognized as a NCO in Frederick’s Army, he was required to stand four watches, one every four days.
According to induction ceremony brochure, during the first watch, soldiers with the rank of private appeared and claimed a gift of bread and brandy from the prospective sergeant. The company NCOs appeared at the second watch for beer and tobacco.
The first sergeant reserved his visit for the third watch. When the first sergeant appeared, he was presented with a glass of wine and a piece of tobacco on a tin plate.
During the final watch, the soldier finally completed his rite of passage and joined the NCO Corps.
“It’s a good feeling and an honor to be a part of the Corps,” said Sgt. Kyle W. Peres, a satellite transportable terminal operator maintainer from 21st Signal Company.
Peres said he learned from many good leaders and he will try to follow in their footsteps. He added that the best part of being a NCO is getting the opportunity to lead soldiers and see them develop.
“The only negative thing about being a NCO has to be supervising urinalysis tests,” Peres said as he laughed at the thought. “My advice to every soldier would be to go 100 percent with no regrets. Take advantage of all the opportunities the Army has to offer.”
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2012 09:04 |
| Story ID: | 95803 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 229 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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