The evolving role of noncommissioned officers in American military

Noncommissioned Officer

The Roles and Responsibilities of the Noncommissioned Officer.

Definition of non-commissioned officer

Officers who have risen to a position of command as delegated by commissioned officers.

Rank, status and command

Sergeants, corporals and petty officers qualify as noncommissioned officers

Roles and responsibilities in the U.S. military

Provide leadership and command in field capacities while reporting to commissioned officers.

The non-commissioned officer provides a crucial link between the demands and challenges of leadership and the daily rigors of the combat soldier, helping to solidify the chain of command guiding the strategic and practical operations of the U.S. military.

Background

History of the non-commissioned officer in U.S.

"NCOs have been celebrated for decorated service in military events ranging from Valley Forge to Gettysburg, to charges on Omaha Beach and battles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, to current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq." (Army NCO, 1)

b. Evolution of the role

i. Historically, the relationship between improving warfare technology in early American conflict and the use of open battlefield strategy would heighten the importance of the field leadership demonstrated by noncommissioned officers. (HAD, 1-7)

c. Current realities for the non-commissioned officer

i. NCO responsibilities range widely from field command to strategic command.

III. Career Development

a. The Ascension to non-commissioned officer

i. "Non-commissioned officers rise up through the enlisted ranks, generally with several years of experience to their names before they reach positions of nominal power." (CC, 1)

b. Transition from non-commissioned officer to commissioned officer

i. Opportunities for ascension to sovereign appointed roles of leadership are available to those who demonstrate lifelong commitment and excellence

c. Education and training required

i. NCO training is sometimes a specialized course, but many ascend to the rank by excelling in basic and specialist training as well as in field combat as non-officers.

d. Skills demanded by the position

i. Leadership

ii. Tactical abilities iii. Combat valor

IV. Variables of the Career

a. Combat implications of non-commissioned officer role

i. Non-commissioned officers differ from commissioned officers in that they are more often in combat situations

b. Field leadership expectations

i. NCOs must command under the duress of combat, requiring genuine dedication from troops to exact fast and intelligent decisions.

c. Strategic leadership expectations

i. NCOs will often play a key part in devising strategic and practical maneuvers for use in combat

V. Conclusion

a. Overview of non-commissioned officer