The Role of the Army Noncommissioned Officer
Abstract
When it comes to Leadership the difference in Commissioned Officer and the Non-Commissioned Officers Role has changed significantly since the early creation of the Army and more so as we emerge through current conflicts changing what each one are more and more responsible for. The two appear to be so close in line with each other that sometimes it is hard to distinguish who is really leading the soldiers. As the Army National Guard has been receiving less and less officers in their ranks it has caused the non-commissioned officer to step up and perform the duties of platoon leaders and detachment commanders. In my opinion we have almost collided in our responsibilities that it is time to reconsider how we commission our officer ranks. The non-commissioned officer has been afforded the ability to become a warrant officer, but only after becoming a staff sergeant and then completing the Warrior Leader Course. Some are given responsibilities like commissioned officers and others are given practically none while the non-commissioned officer still steps up to fill the void. I feel commissioned officers should be required to spend two to three years as an enlisted Soldier prior to being commissioned. As units prepare to deploy, the Army's experienced Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) far exceeds the leadership role of inexperienced Commissioned Officers (Officers), causing the NCO to be establish and enforce Army policies along with creating the conditions which allow Officers to appear that they can effectively run their units and ensure Soldiers have the resources to do their jobs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 10, 2008
- Accession Number
- AD1111407
Entities
People
- Amy Foose
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy