NCO Journal September 2014 Articles
The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development
By Example: Combat Medic Braved Enemy Bullets, Flames to Save Soldiers
By Jonathan (Jay) Koester
NCO Journal
This story is part of a periodic NCO Journal feature that takes a closer look at an Army award in an NCO’s career. This month, we focus on the career of an NCO who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The Distinguished Service Cross is the Army’s second-highest award, behind only the Medal of Honor. AR 600-8-22 says of the Distinguished Service Cross, “The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.”
Article published on: Sept 25, 2014
HRC Refines Army’s leadership Mold of the Future
By Martha C. Koester
NCO Journal
In this era of Army transition, noncommissioned officers at U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Ky., are on the front lines in determining the right Soldier for the right unit at the right time. With new career tools and processes on the way, Soldiers will be better prepared for what lies ahead by taking ownership of their records now, said Sgt. Maj. Jonathan A. Uribe-Huitron, chief of the Enlisted Promotions Branch at Human Resources Command. That means noncommissioned officers must take responsibility for ensuring that their records are correct and current.
Article published on: Sept 23, 2014
New NCOER Expected to More Accurately Assess Soldiers’ Performance
By David Vergun
Army News Service
On Aug. 1, the secretary of the Army approved the new Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report. Implementation will be in September 2015.
Article published on: Sept 19, 2014
Avatar-based Simulations to Boost Counseling skills
By Gary Sheftick
Army News Service
The idea began with six-foot avatars interacting with students in a classroom, and matured into computer-based simulations to help Soldiers with counseling.
Article published on: Sept 19, 2014
This Month in NCO History: Sept. 2, 2006 — Soldier Goes from Tragedy to Triumph
By Pablo Villa
For Mark Dodge, a former Army sergeant, the ninth month of the year brings forth a gamut of emotions. He has experienced tragedy in September. He has also felt the elation of a dream lived.
Article published on: Sept 18, 2014
Army Releases Latest Policies on Female Hairstyles, Tattoos
By Lisa Ferdinando
Army News Service
The Army published revisions to Army Regulation 670-1, its policy for “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” which included changes to female hairstyles and tattoos standards. The revisions, dated Sept 15, were effective immediately.
Article published on: Sept 17, 2014
Week of Competition Ends with Drill Sergeant Reunion
By Jonathan (Jay) Koester
NCO Journal
A week of competition wrapped up with a night of memories as the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School celebrated its 50th anniversary with the opening of a Drill Sergeant Hall of Fame and a drill sergeant reunion dinner at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Article published on: Sept 16, 2014
Retired CSM Receives Medal of Honor for Grueling 38-hour Struggle in Jungle
By David Vergun
Army News Service
& Nick Duke
Fort Benning Bayonet & Saber
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins and Spc. 4 Donald P. Sloat were awarded Medals of Honor by President Barack Obama yesterday during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Adkins was present to receive his medal and Sloat’s was awarded posthumously. Dr. Bill Sloat, Donald’s brother, accepted it on his behalf.
Article published on: Sept 16, 2014
Drill Sergeants, AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year announced
By Jonathan (Jay) Koester
NCO Journal
The final day of the 2014 Drill Sergeant and AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year competitions began with the nominees going through a formal board, and ended with the announcement of the winners.
Article published on: Sept 11, 2014
NCO Camaraderie Helps Drill Sergeants, AIT Platoon Sergeants through Competition
By Jonathan (Jay) Koester
NCO Journal
As the 2014 Drill Sergeant and AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year competitions continued into a third day of strenuous events Wednesday, the NCOs were weary, but they had no opportunity to rest.
Article published on: Sept 10, 2014
PRT, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills Test Drill Sergeant, AIT Platoon Sergeant Competitors
By Jonathan (Jay) Koester
NCO Journal
The second day of the 2014 Drill Sergeant and AIT Platoon Sergeant of the Year competitions began much like one would expect, with a five-mile run beginning at 3:45 a.m., followed by a lot of Physical Readiness Training.
Article published on: Sept 9, 2014
15 Begin Competition to be Named Top Drill Sergeant, AIT Platoon Sergeant
By Jonathan (Jay) Koester
NCO Journal
The competition to name the 2014 Drill Sergeant of the Year and the 2014 AIT Platoon Sergeant of the year kicked off Monday morning at a rainy Fort Jackson, S.C.
Article published on: Sept 8, 2014
From the Field: NCOs and their effectiveness as teachers
By Staff Sgt. Rich Stowell
Utah National Guard
Delivering instruction and training is at the heart of the NCO’s role in the Army. Because leading troops and supporting operations are critical jobs for noncommissioned officers, training and mentoring never stops, even during operations. The Army’s NCOs, then, have a duty to sharpen their skills and increase their capacity as instructors throughout their careers.
Article published on: Sept 4, 2014
USARAF Military Intelligence NCOs Help Empower African Partner Nations
By Meghan Portillo
NCO Journal
The military intelligence NCOs of U.S. Army Africa play a key role in the intelligence training of the armies of African partner nations.
Article published on: Sept 2, 2014