Six Sailors from Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland earned the honor of bearing the title "chief" during a chief petty officer (CPO) pinning ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio Sept. 16.

Those selected for CPO went through a six-week training period known as CPO 365 Phase II, which began when the CPO selection board results were released. Chief selectees were faced with many challenges during the training to strengthen their leadership skills and learn the true meaning of "being the chief."

The training emphasized the history and traditions of the Chiefs Mess, which included a heritage trip to the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas; mental and physical fitness challenges; and mentorship, as well as many other aspects to prepare them for their future roles as "the chief."

During the ceremony, Master Chief Fire Controlman Gregory Maxwell said, "First and foremost, your primary duty is to develop junior officers and Sailors. You will provide them with competent leadership, leadership they can trust, [and] leadership they willingly follow because you are not only doing what is right, but that your character is right."

He also discussed the importance of a chief's personal attributes such as competence, empathy, and character.

NTTC Lackland Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jeffrey Martin, told the newly-pinned chiefs they have reached a career milestone and those anchors represent the trust and confidence our Navy has charged you to uphold.

"Be the chief that every Sailor strives to be; the example they wish to emulate," said Martin, who also thanked the families and partners of all those promoted. "Without their love, support and encouragement you would not be here today, ready to assume this new leadership role and the responsibilities that accompany it. I am very thankful for our Navy families and the sacrifices each and every one of them make."

After being pinned with their gold fouled anchors, each chief received a combination cover signifying a new position of leadership and responsibility. Each new chief then read a poem about specific traits a chief possesses before presenting their petty officer first class collar devices to the petty officer second class they have mentored.

When asked what advice they have for junior Sailors hoping to someday be "the Chief," Chief Master-at-Arms Matthew Birmingham, from Hagerstown, Maryland, said, "Be proactive, see problems coming in the future, and be the answer. Do not be afraid of what you do not know; instead seek out those areas and get help when you need it."

NTTC Lackland provides five courses of instruction, which are Master-at-Arms "A" school, Corrections Specialist and Counselor, and Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master. The command trains more than 2,600 students each year to prepare the best for the worst in defending freedom around the world.

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