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MANNHEIM, Germany — Friends, family members, fellow Soldiers and senior noncommissioned officers and officers from around the 18th Military Police Brigade gathered at a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony Feb. 5 at Shuh Theater on Benjamin Franklin Village here to officially recognize the passing of newly promoted corporals and sergeants of the 95th MP Bn. into the corps of noncommissioned officers.
The tradition of inducting NCOs into the corps spans centuries and has been observed in countless armies all over the world through varying rites of passage. The corporals and sergeants of the 95th MP Bn. were inducted into the corps by passing under an archway and being presented a copy of the “Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer” by Command Sgt. Maj. Brenda Curfman, 18th MP Bde. command sergeant major. The newly inducting NCOs then raised their right hands together and pledged an oath to live by the creed.
The junior NCOs were welcomed into the corps by their seniors, representing the faith that the leadership has in the qualities and potential of these new NCOs. In addition to ushering the new NCOs into the corps, Command Sergeant Major Curfman also took time to speak to them and offer them words of guidance in their careers as young leaders. During her speech, she noted that the job of an NCO today is more complex than in past years.
“In today’s Army, sergeants have a lot more on their plates than I did 24 years ago when I became a sergeant,” Command Sergeant Major Curfman said.
Present day NCOs must master a wide range of skills – from joint and combined expeditionary warfare to continuous full-spectrum operations – all while being culturally insightful and flexible to changing environments.
“Your duties and responsibilities as a noncommissioned officer far surpass anything else that you have ever done,” Command Sergeant Major Curfman said, “and they never shut off. They don’t stop the minute you drive off post or out the gate or the moment that you take off your uniform. It is your duty to show up early and stay late and work diligently every single day to ensure that you, your Soldiers and your unit are prepared to assume any mission, anywhere and to ensure that you are setting the conditions for success.”
As the young NCOs of the 95th MP Bn. prepare to take on their new responsibilities, Command Sergeant Major Curfman reminded them of their roles and of the importance it has to their Soldiers, their leaders and the Army’s mission.
“You are a sergeant in the United States of America’s Arm. That means something. Soldiers will look to you for guidance, and leaders will look to you to get things done … make it happen,” she said.
Admittedly, the role of a noncommissioned officer can be difficult, and Command Sergeant Major Curfman noted how, “there is a lot expected of you as a noncommissioned officer, and I know that it can become very overwhelming, very quickly. Sometimes the end of the tunnel never seems to be in sight.”
But, with that responsibility comes a great deal of respect and pride for what it means to be a noncommissioned officer in the Army. NCOs are referred to as ‘the backbone of the Army’ – a reputation they have rightfully earned through centuries of leadership, courage, integrity and loyalty. NCOs live the Warrior Ethos, set the example for young Soldiers and are vital to continuing the traditions for the next generation of NCOs.
“It’s tough being a sergeant,” Command Sergeant Major Curfman said, “ but I will tell you – in the words of a former brigade commander – that’s why people stand up when you walk into the room.”
