Being a Non Commisioned Officer

Being a Non Commissioned Officer

I have been in the Army for a little over ten years, and in that time, I feel that I can safely say that I have a good grasp on what it means to be not only an NCO, but a leader. I have had many different leadership styles thrown at me, not all of them meshed with my type of personality, others worked flawlessly. Being an NCO isn’t a calling for everyone, it’s easy to go to a board and answer a bunch of questions you read out of a book, but to be an actual leader takes patience, understanding, will power, discipline, responsibility and many others descriptions that could go on forever. A lot of people I’ve met throughout my career have made huge impact on showing me the difference between a Sergeant and an NCO. As an NCO, you are required to have the courage to take responsibility for the actions of your Soldiers, regardless of the outcome. As a Sergeant, you are collecting a paycheck and belting out orders that person probably wouldn’t even do themselves. I haven’t been the best example of what an NCO is supposed to be, there have been times where I have let down the soldiers entrusted unto me, but regardless, I have gotten back onto my feet and continued to get the job done. A person willing to take the “hit” for his or her Soldiers and willing and able to lead by example deserves to have the title “Non Commissioned Officer.” As a husband and father, I have a calling to be a leader, provider and protector; I have a basic understanding that whatever choices I make effect my family. In a way, it’s the same concept; an NCO has to make tough choices that will affect the people around him or her. Having the knowledge to accomplish a task is one thing, having to put that knowledge to the test and make a choice that could be a potential life altering decision is another. Overall, an NCO is someone willing to sacrifice him or herself for the accomplishment of the mission, and the welfare of the Soldiers regardless of how tired or...