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
My mother retired as an E7 QMC (quarter master chief) from the US Navy. The NCOs are experienced enlisted people that have been around a long time and have some authority and input in decisions the officers make.
An O1 officer straight out of college has more authority than an E9 with 20+ years of experience. The smart young officers shut up and listen to the NCOs while the arrogant, cocky ones try to impose their will without experience.
The best example I can give is on the movie Fury. Right before they leave the camp the first time, the newly assigned officer a) doesn’t even know the guys names yet while the enlisted have been at war for years and b) says “Mount up! Move out!” in a ‘tough guy’ voice to impose his authority while the grizzled tank commanders just slowly light their smokes. “Don’t worry, sir. The war’s not going anywhere.” The enlisted share a look of ‘here we go again and then Brad Pitt says “You heard him, MOUNT UP!” and they actually get moving.
So you see, on paper and in the officially accepted hierarchy, a newly minted officer is above any enlisted in the chain of command but the real world applications of power means an NCO with 15-20 years in will have a better understanding of what will really happen due to experience and not some theoretical outcome.
Latest Answers