FT SILL NCO ACADEMY

Yesterday, SFC Michael Freyholtz, a 13R SLC Instructor was formally awarded the German Armed Forces Proficiency Marksmanship Badge (Silver Level). The badge was presented to SFC Freyholtz by German Air Force officer, LTC Dennis Nadolny. LTC Nadolny... serves with the ADA Proponent Office on Fort Sill. Durring the ceremony, LTC Nadolny explained how demanding the standards are to earn this badge are, and that not every German NCO is able to earn the badge. He went on to say, that this particular award to an American NCO, because of COVID19 restrictions is a extremely rare occasion. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, CSM Macher, NCOA Commandant expressed his appriciation to LTC Nadolny, for taking the time to present the badge, and presented LTC Nadolny with an NCOA Coin.

It is another great day for the students at the Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE) Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA)! Please congratulate the Graduates of the Basic Leader Course (BLC), Class 005-21 for their achievement and dedication to our Profession!

Project Athena Athena was a Greek goddess noted for strategic warfare, wisdom, and learning. Project Athena signifies the disciplined preparation of the warrior. Project Athena Vision:... Feedback enables self-awareness and in turn promotes better decisions and self- development. Leaders who are self-aware and who put in the work stand apart from their peers. On March 30th, the Fort Sill NCO Academy conducted its first pilot iteration of Project Athena self-assessments with the 13F Joint Fire Support Sergeant SLC, classes 004-21 and 005-21, led by SFC Brady. The assessments, (Sense-Making & Army Critical Thinking Test) are just two of the assessments designed to promote self-development in NCO’s that they can utilize and expand upon once they return to their units.

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 mindaccomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically 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!

On 16 March, the NCO Academy initiated Army Profession Day Training in BLC, ALC, and SLC. Prior to training, NCOA Commandant, CSM Erick Macher paraphrased the Secretary of Defense Memo. Because we each took an oath to obey the law, support and defend the Constitution, and to do our jobs to the best of our ability, we expect public servants to be guided in their actions by a strong moral compass. Many student’s noted that they were clueless of the levels of extremism/racis...m that exists. Throughout the day, students and instructors participated in serious, but healthy dialogue improving their extremism/racism understanding and knowledge. Discussions continued focusing on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. There was heartfelt /serious discussion about suicides in the Army, and what someone should do if they encounter someone behaving, or communicating that they feel suicidal; ASK, have the courage to ask your buddy, are you thinking of killing yourself? CARE for your friend, calmly control the situation, without force; actively listen to show understanding, and remove the means that could be used for self-injury; ESCORT your buddy, never leave your buddy alone, escort to the chain of command, Chaplain, behavioral health professional or primary care provider. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. See more