Inspector General NCO of the year | Article

U.S. Military Sgt. 1st Course Andrew Sholtz, a noncommissioned officer in the Office environment of the Division Inspector Standard assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga, earned the title of Office of the Military Inspector Basic Noncommissioned Officer of the Calendar year, which was declared April 20, 2022.

All through the Army, NCOs compete among themselves to figure out who is the ideal in their particular area and this level of competition identified precisely that for Inspector Common NCOs.

“We submitted 3 letters of advice and a memo for Sholtz,” mentioned Joel Smith, the deputy command IG for 3rd ID. “Sholtz displayed all the attributes of an exceptional IG NCO.”

In the levels of competition for Inspector Typical NCO of the yr, nominees from throughout the Army competed in the Division of the Army-degree competitors in Washington, D.C.

“Sholtz has continually demonstrated the comprehensive perseverance and general excellence essential as the IG NCO of the calendar year,” Smith mentioned.

After a hard board opposition, Sholtz was named the winner. He had the honor of acquiring his award at the Hall of Heroes inside the Pentagon.

“It’s a huge accomplishment for me,” explained Sholtz. “The IG of the 12 months NCO title is the to start with time in my vocation that I have been acknowledged as the finest of something throughout the entire Army business.”

Profitable this award is a extended way from where by Sholtz began his Military job. Just before becoming a member of the Military, he worked in retail building a lot less than the minimum amount wage.

“I woke up a person working day knowing that I was weary of living from paycheck to paycheck,” explained Sholtz. “I felt the will need for a little something bigger than myself and the Military was that for me.”

Soon immediately after, Sholtz joined the Military to be a cannon crewmember within just the artillery industry.

In this work, Sholtz served a very important position helping his fellow Soldiers by supplying well timed and correct fires that supported warfighters on the front lines. After a long time of tricky operate, Sholtz was handpicked by management within the field artillery department to grow to be an inspector basic NCO.

The Place of work of the Inspector General delivers Troopers with neutral and impartial information and with oversight by way of appropriate and timely inspections, investigations and education to boost stewardship, accountability, integrity, effectiveness, fantastic get & self-discipline to boost complete Military readiness.

These Soldiers provide in a posture of rely on, bound by the Army restrictions and the facts collected is private. Confidentiality lets Soldiers and leaders to experience relaxed in making contact with the Business office of the Inspector Normal without the need of chance of judgment or reprisal.

Since beginning this new job route, Sholtz has dealt with situations relating to injuries, demise, sexual harassment problems and other sorts of misconduct.

“I really like my position since it is 1 of the most impactful roles I’ve experienced in the Army,” Sholtz stated. “I have the potential to alter someone’s daily life for the much better.”

Through his time in the armed service, Scholtz was also in a position to purchase a bachelor’s diploma in homeland protection, an affiliate diploma in counterterrorism and is presently working on his master’s degree in business administration. As a partner and a father, Sholtz has usually kept his loved ones shut to assistance with the day by day stresses he faces.

“My wife has constantly finished an incredible career of taking care of things at residence so I can target on what I’m executing at get the job done,” Sholtz explained. “They have undoubtedly been a driving element in who I am as an NCO and a leader.”

Sholtz is scheduled to transfer to Oklahoma where by he hopes to serve as a initial sergeant. Just after his time in the Army finishes, he programs to work as an IG Department of the Army civilian, where by the practical experience he has obtained as Inspector General NCO of the yr will most likely be invaluable.

“He’s a devoted Soldier, a quality particular person, great spouse and father,” explained Smith. “I’m positive when and where ever he goes, he will do an fantastic position for the United States Army.”