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closeDeployed NCOs vie for Audie Murphy Club
Pvt. Zachary Zuber/3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division
Pvt. Zach Zuber
NCOs from 3rd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div., and their sponsors are greeted by members of the examination board.
DIYALA, Iraq – An examination board composed of senior noncommissioned officers reviewed six NCOs from 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, who were nominated to become members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The club honors the achievements of the most decorated Soldier who served in World War II.
Of the six NCOs, the board chose to recommend one for induction, Staff Sgt. Joseph Spicer, senior human intelligence collector for Bronco Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment.
During World War II, Audie Murphy received every medal awarded to those in U.S. Army at that time, including the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, as well as the Belgium Croix de Guerre and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. He reached the rank of staff sergeant before he was awarded a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant.
“This is definitely a culminating event,” said Spicer. “There was a lot of stuff to learn, but now that it’s done there is no more pressure.”
The board reviewed basic Soldier skills, knowledge of current events, and assessed the NCOs’ moral compasses by judging their reactions to a variety of hypothetical situations. They also posed questions to test the Soldiers on the life and history of Audie Murphy. Soldiers selected by the board must excel in all of these areas. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a high level of confidence in explaining their responses to the board, to prove they have the qualities shown by the club’s namesake.
“This is the epitome of being an NCO, earning the distinction of being a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr., United States Division-North command sergeant major.
Each Soldier learns during the board, as well, receiving a critique from board members after their examination is complete. Reviewing their individual performance allows the NCOs to learn what skills they can work on as they return to their units.
“This allows me to look at myself as a leader, and learn how to better myself,” said Spicer. “Ultimately, this is a great experience that I can take back to my Soldiers.”