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FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Feb. 2004) – Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) have been the backbone of the Army since they came into existence n 1775. Since that time, the missions and responsibilities shouldered by NCOs have changed with time. With the current world situation being what it is, once again the role of the NCO is changing. In an effort to bring its NCOs in line with the mission and responsibility changes, the 81st Regional Readiness Command recently held the inaugural Non-Commissioned Officer Advanced Leadership Training at Fort Jackson, S.C.
The course, attended by over 100 of the best NCOs and junior NCOs from units under the 81st RRC, was administered over a period of five days. Classes were administered daily covering topics including: “Fundamentals of Training,” “How the Army Trains,” and “The Role of the NCO.”
Sergeant 1st Class Camelia Pressley, a course attendee from the 535th Military Police Battalion located in Raleigh, N.C., said, “The classes were very challenging. They brought back to memory all of the things that I had forgotten. It was an informative and uplifting experience.”
The entire course was facilitated by a group of 81st RRC senior and junior NCOs. These NCOs served as cadre for all the courses. They handled issues ranging from logistics, physical training, medical support, range and tower instructors, and public affairs. Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Harris, 81st RRC G-3 Training NCO said, “The training was very impressive and I think it should be mandatory.”
According to Staff Sgt. Teresa Threatts, 1182nd Transportation Terminal Battalion Supply NCO. “This program served as an eye-opener for myself and other NCOs as well. It confirmed that NCOs, indeed, lead the way. It also stresses that you can’t lead from the rear and you must take care of your soldiers.”
The course was not all classroom work. The participants had their mettle tested on the first day. They had an opportunity to attack Fort Jackson’s Victory Tower. This 45-foot tower, equipped with rappel lanes and three different type rope bridges, presented one of the biggest challenges that the soldiers would face for the remainder of the course.
Staff Sgt. Kristine Madison, 4206th U.S. Army Hospital (USAH) weight control NCO stated, “I was terrified but I navigated the tower out of a sense of duty. When I finally completed it I felt a sense of relief.” Many Reserve soldiers don’t get an opportunity to participate in training of this kind due to a lack of availability. “I’ve haven’t done anything like this since basic training. The rappelling was my favorite portion of the course,” said Staff Sgt. Derrick Durham, of the 160th Military Police Battalion, and 81st RRC NCO of the Year
The cadre also took the soldiers out of the classroom into an open field setting for hands-on training. There, the NCOs received information on various tasks ranging from how to throw a grenade to wearing chem-bio protective equipment and clothing.
The training cadre members graded the attendees on a daily basis. The NCOs took turns serving in integral unit positions such as platoon leader, first sergeant and squad leader. They also performed room inspections and walk-throughs. A rigorous physical fitness regimen was administered on a daily basis – enhancing an already physically challenging course. A medical staff was on hand and was prepared to handle any issues that may have arisen.
According to Spc. Seth Damann, a combat medic with the 4206th USAH, “Hands-on, realistic training is the best way to go.” Sgt. Paul Deaux, also a combat medic with the 4206th USAH added, “Our presence eases the minds of the soldiers and allows them to be more exertive and to get the full effects of the training.”
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