2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Public Affairs Office
VILSECK, Germany – The Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment was host to a very distinguished guest Monday. Sgt. Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston took time out to sit down and speak with some of the 2SCR Troopers about their issues and concerns as well as the importance of leadership and the non commissioned officers corps.
Preston stressed the need for current NCOs to encourage their Soldiers to develop good leadership skills early on in their careers in order to become members of the organization known as the backbone of the Army.
“I talked to a brand new group of recruits down in San Antonio recently who were just getting ready to take the oath of office,” Preston shared. “I told all of them thank you for your service and aspiring to be a Soldier.”
Preston, stressing the need to pursue professional development immediately, issued a challenge to the new recruits.
“Now what I want you to do is aspire to be a non commissioned officer,” he said.
Preston explained the reason he challenged the new recruits with that task.
“Our goal is to grow Sergeants,” he said, “in about three years time and in some cases four.”
Preston stressed the need for Soldiers to continue to strive and develop their leadership skills whenever and wherever possible. He explained that this will not only benefit them in their military career but also as they transition back to civilian life.
“Even if your decision is to leave the Army after three, four or five years,” he said. “having served in a leadership position is one of the things most sought after in the civilian world more so than your occupational specialty.”
“You may come into the Army and have one of the technical career fields out there, that is somewhat applicable to a civilian career,” Preston explained, “but really what civilian business owners out there are looking for are leaders.”
Preston continued on to talk about the importance of the NCO Corp and the Year of the NCO.
“This year is the Year of the Non Commissioned Officer,” he said. “The non commissioned officer has always been the glue that has held our units together for almost eight years of war.”
“Senior commanders are there for a short period of time,” Preston said. “They command, then they move out and the next commander moves in.”
“Non commissioned officers are those leaders on the ground, who are the technical and tactical experts that have held our units and organizations together.”
“This year we are recognizing their contributions,” Preston said. “The three objectives we want to gain from this year.”
“We want to recognize those who have served in the past and have passed on the torch to those of us who still wear the uniform,” he said. “We also want to recognize all of us who proudly pass on the position to the next generation.”
“Finally we want to inform the American public what a national asset they have within the NCO Corps,” he said. The Sergeant Major of the Army then concluded by thanking Troops of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment for their continued professionalism and selfless service.
