Published: January 30, 2010
BSB Soldier on Fast Track to Becoming An NCO
By Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 1st Infantry Division
TIKRIT, Iraq - Since joining the military in July of 2008, Pfc. Cherice A. Nicholas of Newport News, Va., a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., said attending the Warrior Leader Course as a private first class has been one of her greatest accomplishments, so far.
"Having people think that [I was] worthy of going to WLC as a private first class was an accomplishment [in itself]," she said.
Three weeks prior to her first deployment, Nicholas attended a course normally taken by specialist, corporals and new noncommissioned officers. During WLC, Nicholas was tested on her leadership ability, map reading and land navigation skills, drill and ceremony, training management and war-fighting skills.
"It was challenging, especially land navigation and having to be by myself because a lot of the stuff you had to do [in the course is an individual effort] in order for them to see where you were," said Nicholas.
Pfc. Cherice A. Nicholas of Newport News, Va., a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., poses for a photo with Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, III and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews, Jr., the commander and top noncommissioned officer of the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., after a 3rd Infantry Division Mass Reenlistment ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell, 4IBCT PAO)
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She said that she was nervous being the only private first class there, and she was surrounded by NCOs.
"It was a challenge, but I accomplished it."
On the fast track to becoming a noncommissioned officer, Nicholas believes that a leader is someone who creates a path for their Soldiers to grow.
"[It's about] guiding Soldiers in the right direction and showing them the correct and best way in how to do things," she said. "It's also about protecting your Soldiers, keeping them safe and looking after them."
Nicholas said she joined the military to better herself and her family and to give back to her community. As for her future, Nicholas said she plans to continue in the Army for now and attend school.
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