The NCO Corps is the Backbone of the Army. Without NCOs, the Army would not be as successful as it is. NCOs are responsible for everything from personnel accountability and training to counseling and career development. But, I think our NCO Corps is broke.
Newly inducted non-commissioned officers repeat thunderously the Creed of the NCO during the Task Force Light Guard NCO Induction Ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
It’s up to the troops in this photo by Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez to fix this. It’s time to get back to traditional NCO business. Last week, I was helping the Brigade CSM by inspecting the motor pools and Battalion areas. I couldn’t believe the amount of trash EVERYWHERE! The vehicles at one of the motor pools weren’t even lined up straight, a simple and basic part of motor pool standards. This is what NCOs are SUPPOSED to be good at.
I went to the barracks and there was trash all over the place. I’m not even talking about cigarette buts or small gum wrapper. I’m talking about cups, bottles, boxes, and other stuff that is blatant! Worse is the fact that a lot of this stuff was right outside the doors of some of the Soldiers living there and wasn’t picked up. It’s despicable and I hope this next batch of young NCOs recognizes that a military without basic discipline, cleanliness and standards is a military that is destined to fall.
It was good to see that new NCOs are being properly inducted into the NCO Corps. I haven’t seen an induction ceremony in years. I was privileged to be inducted into the NCO Corps while a part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and haven’t seen it done as well since. There were Soldiers dressed up in various period military costumes that each spoke about the role of each NCO rank and the Creed. The fact that NCO Induction Ceremonies are no longer a custom is probably one of the reasons NCOs don’t take pride in their rank any longer.
