JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Six years ago, Staff Sgt. Michael Arumugam began his military career scared of what the future held.
“It wasn't me at first. I'm not a very loud, outspoken person, but once I joined the military, it gave me more of a purpose and made me realize that I do have a meaning,” Arumugam said. “This is what I'm serving for: to keep my grandparents safe, the people in the United States safe, and keeping the threats abroad.”
The noncommissioned officer induction ceremony celebrates an enlisted Airman’s transition to becoming a staff sergeant. The formal event highlights the NCOs’ new responsibilities as novice leaders in the U.S. Air Force and the honor associated with joining the professional NCO corps.
Staff Sgt. Jasmine Madison helps organize the junior NCO induction ceremonies at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and according to her, the ceremony is a significant milestone for Airmen that represents how they are now trusted to lead, to train and to mentor other Airmen.
“I think it's important because, for one, you're being recognized … for your achievements and your commitment,” Madison said. “Then, it reinforces the core values that we live by and of course, it symbolizes the leadership transition, because you're already a leader when you're in the junior enlisted tour, but now you're transitioning up to staff sergeant…where you'll be more impactful to those that will be under you. And most importantly, to me, it inspires the next generation as well.”
As a first-generation military member, Arumugam had no idea what to expect when he chose the USAF.
Raised in Frederick, Oklahoma, Arumugam joined the military in search of stability in his life, after growing up in a dysfunctional family.
“I was passed between my mom and dad. My mom in and out of rehab for drug abuse, and then my dad just being in and out of jail. So, from that, I really didn't feel like I had a purpose,” Arumugam said.
He moved in with his grandparents at seven years old, and they set a strong foundation for him, so that, eventually, Arumugam realized that there were many different career paths he could take to build a life for himself beyond the circumstances he was born into.
Nervous and soft spoken, Arumugam enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and discovered that the military was different than what he had imagined.
“It's not the military I envisioned it was going to be. I thought it was going to be more like getting thrown against the wall, doing push-ups all the time — just crazy, crazy stuff. But it's not,” Arumugam said. “It's more relaxed as a personnelist. We're close knit, we all look out for each other, and take care of our customers.”
Arumugam said he never expected to build such strong bonds with his fellow Airmen, and to feel so appreciated by his co-workers at Air Force Personnel Center Reenlistments.
The Air Force built up his self-esteem and confidence, and he learned that he could accomplish more than he ever thought he could, according to Arumugam. As an NCO he said he hopes to inspire his Airmen to push themselves like he did.
He also said he wants to be a role model for the new generation, and to look out for his Airmen like his supervisors looked out for him.
“I don't want to be a supervisor that ruins a new Airman's experience,” Arumugam said. “I want to be able to show them that I care for them, that we can be a second family, and help them grow, and take care of themselves throughout their career.”
Arumugam received his certificate of promotion Jan. 31, 2025, and is working towards the next phase of his career as a staff sergeant.