What is the difference between a Non-Comissioned Officer (NCO) and a Commissioned Officer (CO) in the military rank structure?

Question

I’ve read several explanations but they all go over my head. I can’t seem to find an actually decent explanation as to what a “commission” is in a military setting.

In: 1343

Answer 1

I spent 10 years enlisted, went to Officer Candidate School, and then spent the rest of my career as an officer, retiring as an O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel, in the Army).

NCOs are the ones who ensure the nuts and bolts get done. They generally provide the day to day supervision, and are the ones who develop the closest relationships with their troops. They, in many units, know everything about the troops.

Officers look out for the bigger picture. They should know not just what needs to be done, but WHY it needs to be done…and while a bit simplistic, they are held to a higher degree if responsibility for getting the mission accomplished.