U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Gragg, Center for Initial Military Training command sergeant major, speaks during the NCO Corps birthday celebration at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 16, 2016. On Dec. 17, 1777, Gen. George Washington recruited former Prussian officer Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben to Inspector General, and his mission was to strengthen the professionalism of the Continental Army through implementing an NCO Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Derek Seifert)