NCOs are the keepers of our standards

Published Feb. 26, 2011
By CSM Richard S. Clem
32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- (Editor's Note: This is a copy of the CSM's speech given at the Army's 3-2 ADA NCO induction ceremony recently.)

General Minihan, Chief Master Sergeant Horn, the great 380th Air Expeditionary Wing - we can't thank the team enough for all that you do. This has been the greatest joint relationship I've ever participated in. LTC Peck, CSM Dodson, CSM Cowan, distinguished guests, Soldiers attending this great ceremony, our newest inductees into the NCO Corps; I am humbled and honored to share a few words with you today.

I would like to give a huge thank to the 3-2 ADA Team for making sure that important events like these happen. So, LTC Peck and CSM Cowan, thanks! This is another critical aspect of who we are as NCOs and a true part of our customs and traditions. It is very important and critical in having an understanding of the history of our profession and our Corps - it is at the heart of being an NCO. Every NCO needs to learn about our heritage and traditions; it is the essence of who we are.

A year ago now the Secretary of the Army announced the Year of the NCO and I would like to reflect back on what should have happened and then capture what I think is critical to us as NCOs. The Secretary said that "NCOs are the keepers of our standards; from recruiting stations to basic training, to combat zones; from civil affairs to medicine, to logistics, to graveside attendance from the Old Guard at Arlington."

The Secretary of the Army and Sergeant Major of the Army established three critical areas:
- Enhance: Enhance NCOs' education, fitness, leadership development, and pride in service through implementation of programs and policies that sustain and grow our NCO Corps.
- Recognize: Recognize the leadership, professionalism, commitment, courage, and dedication of the NCO Corps.
- Inform: Inform and educate the American people, Congress, and government institutions of the roles, responsibilities, and quality service of our NCO Corps. We must continue to work at the initiatives and not let it be just another year.

Today we come together to announce some of the newest members to the NCO corps.

Today I want to focus on Duties, Responsibilities, and Authorities of NCOs - because if we understand them and do them well we can continue to enhance, recognize, and inform.

Duty is something you must do by virtue of your position and is a legal or moral obligation - an NCO's duties are numerous and must be taken serous. You must know and understand the differences between Specified, Directed, and Implied duties and have the moral courage to always do the Harder Right.

Responsibility is being accountable for what you do or fail to do. NCOs are responsible to fulfill not only their individual duties, but also to ensure their teams and units are successful. "Rank is a badge of responsibility" - don't abuse it. "As a leader you don't choose the best or most opportune time in which to lead." A good leader takes the challenge whenever and wherever it presents itself and does the best they can.

Authority is the legitimate power of leaders to direct Soldiers or to take action within the scope of their position. We have Command Authority and General Military Authority - it clearly takes guts for an NCO to use inherent authority and responsibility in training, maintaining, leading, and caring for Soldiers and Families. We must always remember that as a Leader, none of us are given the authority, status, and position as a personal reward to enjoy in comfort. You are given them so that you may be of greater service to your subordinates, your unit, the families, and your country.

I have a few challenges for not only our new inductees but every NCO:

An NCO cannot lead without determination, without the will and desire to lead. You cannot do it without studying, reading, observing, and learning. You must apply yourself to gain the goal.

Leaders are indeed developed! They are guided by others, but they are made largely by themselves. Whatever you can do, you must do it well and prepare - the test of your character is not "hanging in" when you expect light at the end of the tunnel, but performance of duty and persistence of example when you know no light is coming.

As a true NCO you must give your Soldiers reasons to have confidence and pride in themselves, in their leaders and their unit. This is an NCO's responsibility and can be the hardest challenge for a young NCO. I am convinced that pride is what gets you up the hill when you want to quit.

One of the things that our Army does great is that we train and plan for all our Soldiers to be Leaders. When the time comes, whether during peace or war, the American Soldier has and will rise to the occasion. Over the years we have seen changes in our Army - vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and organizations. However, one thing has not changed - the responsibility entrusted to the United States Army Noncommissioned Officers to lead, train, and take care of and serve as role models for our Soldiers and Families.

At the end, my challenge is to live up to your duties, responsibilities, and authority.
You are a Noncommissioned Officer, you have been chosen to be a leader; be a good one. Good leadership throughout the Army is the glue that holds units together. Be proud you are a leader; strive to be the best!

And remember, "No one is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless they're vigilant in its preservation." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Army Strong. Swift and Sure. One team, One Fight.

380AEW Article

Soldiers attain NCO status

NCOs are the keepers of our standards