in the military, what are NCO’s, how do they differ from normal officers, and why do some countries not have many of them?

Question

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!

In: 790

Answer 1

Officers are “up or out.” Like officers basically either get promoted or their careers are basically dead end. However, there’s a need for long-term staff who stay in a position to keep experience there. That’s where the NCOs come in. They are not commissioned, and are expected to stay in one place for a long time. It’s common for the NCOs to have more experience in a post more than a new officer. You can have a brand new lieutenant from West Point leading a platoon but he can rely upon the NCOs with combat experience to help him make decisions.