90th MW honors, inducts our newest NCOs Published Dec. 18, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. Tammy S.S. Elliott 90th Missile Wing command chief F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Last week the 90th Missile Wing conducted its first ever quarterly NCO induction ceremony. We, as a wing, are working hard to restore the pride and strength of the NCO corps. Becoming an NCO is much more than being promoted; it is a milestone denoting a huge step in responsibility and accountability by every individual who sews on staff sergeant chevrons. Thus, we now induct our NCOs independently of the actual promotion. We celebrate it as a wing, and each individual takes a public and verbal oath. Please take a look at the following words straight from the induction ceremony script. "The Air Force bestows upon its noncommissioned officers certain responsibilities and authorities by tradition. Your promotion carries with it the obligation for you to exercise additional authority and your willingness to accept greater responsibility. AFI 36-2618 defines your responsibilities as a noncommissioned officer. Inductees, you are highly skilled technicians with increased supervisory and training responsibilities. You must continuously strive to further your development as leaders as well as technicians. You must also look for, ask for, and assume opportunities to lead -- in your unit, on the installation and in the community. You are responsible for your subordinates, show genuine concern for them -- visit where they live, work, and recreate. Understand their goals and assist them in growing personally and professionally. Be as quick and honest with feedback and correction as you are with praise. You are not only a technician; you are now a leader of airmen -- responsible for our people and the mission." To symbolize their transition from technician to NCO and leader, they passed, one by one, under a saber arch. Each saber was wielded by an NCO. After they received a certificate of induction, next they read, in unison, the following NCO Charge: - I am a noncommissioned officer. I hold a position of public trust in air force leadership. In discharging the duties consequent to that trust: - I will seek and share the truth. - I will strive to broaden my understanding and knowledge of people so that I may be a better air force leader. - I will strengthen myself as a communicator to help my personnel understanding their role and purpose in our mission. - I will endeavor to become the model of professional competence to be the standard for my personnel. - I will dispense rewards and corrections fairly, impartially, and consistently based upon the performance of my personnel. - I will motivate my personnel to the highest potential within them. - I will uphold the highest standard of professional integrity. - I will contribute to and loyally support the United States Air Force and the unit I am assigned to. - I will always be conscious of my privilege and responsibility to preserve and strengthen the United States, its constitution, and ideals. They then raised their right hand and took the oath and accepted their responsibilities. You may be wondering why this matters to you -- why I've repeated the ceremony in print. It matters because this is the future of your Air Force. If you are a junior Airman, these are your front line supervisors of today and your senior NCOs of tomorrow. If you are a senior NCO or an officer, these are the backbone of your operation --your greatest hope for success. If you are an NCO, take a hard look at the words above because they are the minimum of what you should expect and demand of yourself. No personal agenda, no ulterior motives, but 100 percent commitment. Being a sergeant is a great source of pride, a continuing challenge, and a piece of our heritage we are taking back. Congratulations to our newest NCOs!