The Defender, Winter 2009 - Maryland Defense Force - Maryland.gov

sult of this great day.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Sann, Command Sgt. Maj.
of the Maryland National Guard was the keynote
speaker. Sann told the NCOs, “you are the heart and
soul, the nervous system, and the eyes and ears that enable
MDDF to successfully complete its mission.”
The solemn and dignified ceremony, meant to symbolize
the significance of the transition to NCO, began
with a tribute to fallen soldiers and the playing of Taps.
Several readings highlighting the history of the NCO
corps, the role of NCOs as leaders and mentors, and the
NCO values were conducted by MDDF NCOs and junior
soldiers. Ceremonial support was provided by the
MDDF Cavalry Troop, the MDDF Band and the Maryland
National Guard Joint Force Color Guard.
Planning for the ceremony was coordinated by First
Sgt. (MD) Ronald Scott of the MDDF Engineer Corps
who said the NCO Council, consisting of the senior
NCOs of each of MDDF’s subordinate units, has been
planning the event since June.
“The induction ceremony underscores MDDF’s renewed
focus on the NCO, and is intended to enhance the
professionalism and esprit de corps of the command’s
NCOs while acknowledging their many accomplishments,”
said Scott. “Walking under those crossed sabers
held by members of our own cavalry unit was a huge
honor and meant we have turned a new page in the
MDDF and that our NCOs and the soldiers they lead
will be ready when called.”
The formal induction into the NCO corps was
marked by the NCO Charge led by Command Sgt. Maj.
Sann and the reading the NCO Creed by the group of
inductees. Each inducted NCO then marched through a
saber arch and was presented a personalized certificate
commemorating the event.
In remarks during the ceremony, Sann reminded the
newly inducted NCOs of their responsibilities to lead and
care for the soldiers entrusted to them, and to support
and advise the officers in command. “I see a group of
soldiers who truly inspire me,” said Sann. “The MDDF
has distinguished itself in every mission assigned.”
Sgt. Maj. (MD) John Kelly of MDDF’s 10th Medical
Regiment served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
“I don’t know what problems tomorrow’s defense force
will face,” said Kelly. “But I am sure that with a strong
and vibrant NCO corps as the backbone of the Maryland
Defense Force, we will achieve the highest standards for
years to come.”
Former Secretary of the Army Pete Geren named
2009 "Year of the NCO" to recognize the commitment
of NCOs to service and their willingness to make great
7
sacrifices on behalf of the nation. Throughout the year,
the Army is honoring NCOs through initiatives and
events that enhance awareness and public understanding
of the roles and responsibilities of today's NCO, and enhance
and accelerate the development of NCOs through
education, fitness and leadership development initiatives.
The MDDF is not part of the Army but follows Army
customs, courtesies and traditions.
“This is a great step in reestablishing the importance
of the Maryland Defense Force NCO Corps,” said Sann.
Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer
No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned
Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned
Officer, I realize that I am a member of a
time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone
of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned
Officers and will at all times conduct myself so
as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service
and my country regardless of the situation in which I
find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain
pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities
will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment
of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers.
I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient.
I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned
Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that
role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I
will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I
will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate
consistently with my soldiers and never leave
them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending
both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish
their duties; they will not have to accomplish
mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as
that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I
serve: seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise
initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence
of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my
moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my
comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned
Officers, leaders!