Twitter
Facebook
It is a crucial moment in a Soldier’s career — a step that transitions them from troops to leaders. It is the moment they become noncommissioned officers. One battalion recognized Soldiers from throughout the KMC for their entrance into the NCO corps with a ceremony.
The 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 21st Special Troops Battalion inducted 12 Soldiers into the NCO ranks with an induction ceremony Aug. 15 at the Tiger Theater on Sembach Kaserne.
Eleven of the recently promoted NCOs came from the 21st STB’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company and 5th Quartermaster Company (Riggers). The other NCOs came from American Forces Network Headquarters.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney J. Rhoades, 21st TSC senior enlisted adviser. Instead of giving the traditional speech, he took a different approach.
“If you all (inductees) would like, I can get up there and give a speech. I would rather talk to you about what becoming a noncommissioned officer means,” Rhoades said. “This promotion is one of the most important in each of your careers. It is the step from being a follower to a leader.”
For the next several minutes Rhoades gave an impromptu mentorship session, asking each of the newly promoted NCOs what being a leader meant to them and what they expected from their senior leadership. Afterward, each of the inductees recited the Charge of the Noncommissioned Officer, symbolizing their acceptance of their new rank and responsibility. As the ceremony concluded, everyone in attendance recited The Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer.
Afterward, one of the inductees shared his thoughts on the ceremony.
“Being inducted like this was a great experience,” said Sgt. Joshua McHam, HHC, 21st STB human resources NCO. “It’s an honor to have this kind of ceremony, and it makes the promotion feel that much more important.”
