Roles and responsibilities of noncommissioned officers in U.S. 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

a. Overview of non-commissioned officer

i. The NCO is a key part of the history and present for the U.S. military, operating as a key link in the chain of command between domestically appointed officers and soldiers.

Works Cited:

Army NCO. (2009). The Year of the Non-Commissioned Officer. United States Army. Online at http://www.army.mil/yearofthenco/home.html

Corporate Conjecture (CC). (2003). What is a Non-Commissioned Officer? WiseGeek. Online at http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-non-commissioned-officer.htm

Elder, D. (2006). The Center for the Advanced Studies of the NCO. NCO History. Online at http://www.ncohistory.com/

Headquarters Department of the Army (HDA). (2002). The Army Noncommissioned Officer Guide. United States Army.