Military News
BNOC and the NCO Creed
By SGT John Cervone - Combat Journalist - Rhode Island National Guard
Apr 21, 2009 - 8:09:16 PM

Blackanthem Military News
CAMP VARNUM, NARRAGANSETT, Rhode Island - This past April 5th, 2009, 20 NCOs' graduated from the Regional Training Institute in Camp Varnum, Narragansett, Rhode Island. This was the BNOC Class 09-001. On hand to congratulate the graduates were CSM John McDonough, LTC Ellis Hopkins, Commander of the 243rd RTI and Captain Kip Everett, Chaplain, Joint Force Head Quarters. The graduates received certificates and many kind words from the distinguished guests, as well as inspirational words of spiritual encouragement from Captain Everett.

As the graduates read the Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer, A respectful silence seemed to fall over all of those present. Whenever you stop for a moment and read the words written in the "Code of the Non - Commissioned Officer, try to appreciate what they truly mean. They are not just words to skim over, and then overlook, as many are want to do.

We are soldiers. This is not just a label, this is a profession. We don't punch a clock and run for the door at 5:00 pm.  As soldiers, we are empowered to take our careers seriously, and live the words of the NCO Creed, not just voice them. They are words, which in many ways have been written in blood, by soldiers that have come before us, and truly earned the title of NCO.

We are all well aware that the Non - Commissioned Officer is the backbone of the Army. A true NCO will lead by example and never show favoritism. An NCO earns that title; they are not simply awarded it. An NCO does not need to be loved or hated by their troops. An NCO needs to earn the respect and the confidence of their troops. That is leadership. Anyone can be given the title "Leader" but to earn it is something to treasure for the rest of your life.

An NCO should always place their soldiers before themselves and always ensure that the enlisted soldier, the true tip of the spear, returns home safely, in body, mind and spirit.