By Command Sgt. Maj. John E. Jones 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team 28th Infantry Division Pennsylvania Army National Guard Camp Taji, Iraq
It is my honor and privilege to serve as the command sergeant major of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The 56th SBCT consists of more than 4,000 Soldiers. The 56th SBCT is the only Army National Guard Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the Army; the other six are active duty brigades. That in itself speaks volumes of the outstanding NCO leadership in this brigade. The 56th SBCT stood up in October 2004. We knew our time would come to deploy as a Stryker Brigade.
The noncommissioned officers have taken the challenge and attended several additional drill weekends, schools and extended annual training periods. We deployed to Iraq to do a full spectrum mission.
The NCOs have done numerous combat patrols, artillery missions, DCLPs and route clearance missions. They have partnered with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police. The list of tasks that our NCOs have accomplished goes on and on.
Without the dedication, professionalism and leadership of our NCOs we would not have accomplished our missions.
As I circulated across our battle space in Iraq, I watched many junior NCOs grow into true leaders on the battlefield. Some of our NCOs are on their second and third deployment. For some it is their first. They have all gained experience, matured and are now battle seasoned NCOs.
It is truly a sergeant and staff sergeant fight. We, as senior NCOs, have to teach, coach and mentor our junior NCOs. They must lead from the front and enforce standards and discipline in their units. We have to empower them to make decisions and have the trust and faith that they will do the right thing.
With more than 32 years of service to the 56th Stryker Brigade, 28th Infantry Division and The Pennsylvania Army National Guard, I am proud to serve in these ranks with you as a noncommissioned officer. It takes a dedicated NCO to balance a civilian and military career. There is only one standard.
Nowhere else in the world will you find the level of commitment to serve our nation as a noncommissioned officer that exists in the United States Army National Guard.
As NCOs we must never forget our fallen and wounded Soldiers and the sacrifices their Families have made. As the command sergeant major of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, it has been my honor and privilege to serve with you now and in the future.
Being selected to write about NCOs during the ‘‘Year of the NCO” is beyond any words I could write.
I want to thank every NCO across the Army National Guard today for their dedication, professionalism and leadership. NCOs are truly the ‘‘Backbone of the Army.”
I will meet you on the high ground on the next battlefield.
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