Sgt. Aidaliza Pantoja, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Headquarters Company, graduated from Warrior Leader Course class #002-13, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Nov. 18.

Pantoja began the course in early November 2012 and graduated with 145 other Soldiers after successfully completing all requirements to become an efficient and successful NCO. During the graduation ceremony, the School Commandant and guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. James J. McDonald, congratulated the WLC graduates and encouraged each to lead Soldiers by listening to and caring for them, but he stressed that, above all, they should provide outstanding leadership to their Soldiers.

Previously known as the Primary Leadership Development Course, WLC is the first leadership course NCOs attend. WLC is a month-long course that teaches specialists, corporals, and recently promoted sergeants the basic skills required to lead small groups of Soldiers. The course is physically challenging and intensive, and places emphasis on leadership skills that prepare Soldiers to become effective NCOs.

The Headquarters Company command team, Capt. Sumesh Sagar and Sgt. 1st Class Amadeo J. Fuentes, attended the graduation to congratulate Pantoja and to wish her continued success in the Army as an exemplary NCO.