What does non-commissioned mean? Do these officers go through officer academy like ordinary officers? And why do some analysts say that having a strong NCO class is essential to a well-functioning army (i.e. what can they do that a normal officer can’t?)
Thanks in advance!
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From the era of professional militaries (think: assholes with flintlock rifles lined up in neat rows shooting at another neat row of guys in uniforms with a different, bright color), a “commissioned officer” was awarded a warrant from the governing authority to lead a certain amount of troops (Lieutenant commanded, say, 20; a Captain 100; Colonel 500; etc). This was a legal capacity granted by the sovereign for the commissioned officer to raise (possibly) and lead those troops in battle with permission from the government.
A Non-Commissioned Officer did/does not possess a warrant. They have authority over those who are below them, but are always below a commissioned officer in rank and military structure. That is the key difference; it is based upon feudal class structures: the lowest commission is higher than the highest non-commission.
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