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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>And why do some analysts say that having a strong NCO class is essential to a well-functioning army
NCOs tend to have the most experience and competence. NCOs joins the military at low rank and move up in rank by being promoted for doing well. This usually requires time and experience, requires competence, and usually requires desire.
On the other hand, you can have a corrupt military full of conscripts who only serve the military for a short forced period of time and officers who are politically appointed by leadership because of connections or some dictator who doesn’t want a coup. Compared to NCOs, conscripts and politically appointed generals tend to lack desire, experience, or competence.
And even if some of the generals have those skills, there are only so many of them, compared to NCOs which can be much more numerous in a professional military. NCOs also tend to be closer to the fighting and can lead troops directly.
For example, in Ukraine many Russian generals have been killed because they had to go to the front lines to lead troops because there were too few other officers and NCOs. (And because they didnt encrypt their communications, so Ukrainians knew they were there and attacked them directly.) This would be unheard-of in say, the American military, because their generals now tend to stay in safe places and let other competent officers and NCOs take the lead on the ground.
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