1ID welcomes new NCOs during induction ceremony

US Army Sgt. Lauren Michelsen, aviation operations specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, recites the title to the newly promoted noncommissioned officer during a swearing-in ceremony for noncommissioned officers at the Kansas State Alumni Center in Manhattan on March 23. Michelson, along with other 1st Inf. Division NCOs said the charge to symbolize his ceremonious introduction into the NCO corps. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kenneth Barnet)

by Esp. KENNETH BARNET
19th Public Affairs Detachment

MANHATTAN — More than 50 Soldiers crossed the threshold from NCO to NCO during a swearing-in ceremony hosted by the 1st Infantry Division at the Kansas State University Alumni Center on March 23.

The ceremony, led by U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax, command sergeant major for the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, highlighted the accomplishment, responsibilities and honor of joining the NCO Corps.

“There has to be confidence that it doesn’t happen overnight,” Mullinax said. “With every decision you make, always be honest. Take the time to explain the ‘why’ to your soldiers. Put their needs before your own; be truly selfless.”

U.S. Army Drill Sgt. Staff Sgt. Jesús Espinosa, an Army internment/resettlement specialist assigned to Charlie Company, 701st Military Police Battalion, 14th Military Police Brigade, displays the “Fallen Soldier Table” symbols during a swearing-in ceremony for NCOs at the Kansas State Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas, March January 23, 2023. Espinosa attended the event as a guest, grooming the newly inducted NCOs and participating in the “Fallen Soldier Table” tradition. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kenneth Barnet)

The ceremony began with first sergeants from across the Division lighting the “NCO” candles. These candles represent the past, present, and future of the NCO Corps.

Staff Sergeant Jesus Espinosa, an Army internment/resettlement specialist and drill sergeant assigned to C.Co., 701st Military Police Battalion, 14th Military Police Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, participated in the ceremony as shift drill sergeant. He set the fallen soldiers table and led the NCOs in the drill and ceremony from the beginning of the ceremony and through to the NCO’s Creed.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a small task or a big one,” Espinosa said. “Be the team leader you wish you had and take care of people.”

Four Soldiers took the stage to ask “Soldier’s Request” from the newly inducted NCOs, requesting not just a boss but leaders who provide guidance, mentorship, leadership and the tools necessary to complete the Army’s mission.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax, the command sergeant major of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, speaks about the importance of leadership and the Army NCO corps during a NCO induction ceremony at the Alumni Center from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, March 23, 2023. More than 50 1st Inf. Division NCOs were ceremoniously inducted into the NCO corps after Mullinax led them in the recitation of the newly promoted NCO. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kenneth Barnet)

Before the NCOs could pass through the NCO arch, marking their official initiation into the NCO Corps, Mullinax was issued the commission of NCO. The newly inducted NCOs raised their right hands and recited the words denoting their acceptance of the duties and responsibilities of the NCO. Then, in unison, they recited the words of the Petty Officer’s Creed.

The NCO Creed not only represents the yardstick by which NCOs can measure themselves, but is also an ongoing reinforcement of the values of the NCO corps.

US Army Sgt. Alvin Conley, a public affairs mass communications specialist assigned to the 19th Public Affairs Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, 1st Inf. Div., participates in a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at the Center for Alumni at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, on March 23, 2023. More than 50 1st Inf. Division Soldiers were ceremoniously inducted into the Army NCO Corps after reciting the Office of the newly promoted NCOs. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kenneth Barnet)

Following office and creed, each NCO walked through an arch under crossed sabers denoting their official transition from follower to leader. In doing so, they accepted their position as mentors and role models to those they lead.

“It is an honor to be part of something like this; I’ve heard of them before, but have rarely seen or met anyone who is involved. It is truly an honor to be selected to participate in something like this,” said Cpl. Karturriegel Eagle, NCO member of the Logistics Brigade of the 1st Division.

Noncommissioned officers are responsible for being competent, accomplishing their mission, and ensuring the well-being of their soldiers. They are technically and tactically proficient and place the needs of their soldiers above their own.

“I have never experienced anything like this in the Army,” Espinosa said. “To be here and see the amount of attention and importance that Big Red One is giving these new NCOs is incredible.”