Stryker Brigade News

Dragoons Welcome new NCOs to their ranks

Feb-15-2011 » Filed Under: 2nd SCR

ZABUL, Afghanistan- Perhaps one of the most important moments in the career of any enlisted soldier is when they become a noncommissioned officer.

For 31 troopers from FIRES Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, this moment was commemorated during an NCO induction ceremony Jan 17, at Forward Operating Base Lagman in Zabul province, Afghanistan.

“This ceremony is a tradition of the NCO Corps. It teaches, coaches and mentors these young NCOs, that they are the roots of the Non-commissioned Officer Corps,” said FIRES Command Sgt. Maj. Lorenzo Wallace. “They are assuming the great responsibility of taking care of the greatest resources our nation has given us – their sons and daughters.”

“This ceremony is a reminder to all NCOs that this responsibility cannot be neglected,” Wallace said.

During the ceremony inductees reaffirmed their commitment to the Corps by reciting the NCO Creed. Each soldier then stepped forward and received the saber of leadership from Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Morris. Placing the saber against their right shoulder, each new NCO looks toward the soldiers standing nearby and takes a step forward symbolizing the assumption of their new role and responsibilities.

According to Wallace, this ceremony immortalizes great things to come for these young leaders of tomorrow.

“For some of these inductees it’s a beginning point to be the future Sergeant Major of the Army,” Wallace said. Whatever career paths these individuals choose Wallace wishes them all the best in their new roles as the leaders of tomorrow.

“I salute these young NCOs because of the challenges that they will face in the future,” he said.

(via DVIDS)