Louisiana Army National Guard specialists Anjanette

Louisiana Army National Guard specialists Anjanette Turner from Alexandria, La., and Jeffrey Almand of Ragley, La., stand in full “battle rattle” before the inductees, and recite “A Soldiers Request,” as a plea for the new leaders to remember the importance of their role, during a noncommissioned officers induction ceremony held at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. More than 60 recently-promoted sergeants from 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team took part in the formal, rite of passage ceremony as they were welcomed into the NCO corps. (Photo by: Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang)