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NCO Journal September 2017 Articles

The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development

Make Your Voice Heard, Write for the NCO Journal

By Staff Sgt. Oren Hammerquist, Section Sergeant, 2nd Cavalry Regiment

Eavesdropping is a favorite pastime of mine; I learn a great deal by listening to others discuss their careers, the Army, and training. Among the things I learned during my passive social reconnaissance was that officers I am around are expected to publish one paper or article each rating cycle. Noncommissioned officers have no such spoken or unspoken norm. We can push this aside and say we should let the brains of the Army write while we, the backbone of the Army worry about getting results. This seems shortsighted to me; officer articles influence Army policy every day tactics, promotions, acquisitions, and even NCO duties and responsibilities. We, the NCO Corps, owe it to the Army to make our voice heard through written communication.

Article published on: Sept. 29, 2017


Modern Leaders: Evolution of today's NCO Corps

By Sgt. 1st Class James Hays, U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group, Fort Meade, Maryland

The nature of war has not changed. The use of, or the threat of, direct hostilities by a nation or state against another is a matter of political policy. The character of warfare, however, continually evolves with emerging technologies, doctrinal advancements, and in response to varying global threats and political situations. As the character of war evolves, so too must those characters who fight.

Article published on: Sept. 27, 2017


Understanding Counseling and Human Needs

By Chris Raynor, NCO Journal

The difference between good noncommissioned officers and outstanding ones lies in their ability to communicate and understand what motivates their Soldiers. Both are aware that the unit’s strength depends on the effectiveness of their Soldiers who require training, equipment, and sustenance in order to perform well. However, the difference between the two is how well NCOs communicate and listen.

Article published on: Sept. 25, 2017


The Importance of Effective Writing in the NCO Corps

By Crystal Bradshaw, NCO Journal

Since 1775, U.S. noncommissioned officers have fulfilled important roles which continue to make them the backbone of the today’s Army. From ensuring the well-being of their Soldiers to writing various types of reports, NCOs’ roles have evolved greatly from the initial instructions provided in Von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops in the United States (1778). However, NCOs today may find their responsibilities much more varied, requiring greater efficiency and self-development in writing skills.

Article published on: Sept. 22, 2017


Labeling Theory and USAREC

By Sgt. 1st Class Kregg Chadwick, Raleigh Recruiting Battalion, 2nd Recruiting Brigade

In the 1930’s, sociologist Frank Tannenbaum developed a theory about social interactions being directly related to criminal activity. This theory is known as the Labeling Theory. I believe there are some guiding principles that can be learned from this theory and how it can improve the transition from Soldier to successful Army recruiter. Some may consider a theory on the development of criminals to be contrary to the development of recruiters, however, the social connections are incredibly similar and a proper response can provide leadership the opportunity to improve the recruiting environment.

Article published on: Sept. 205, 2017


Strategy: What is it Good For?

By Kimball Johnson, NCO Journal

Strategy, as defined by Merriam-Websters, is not a difficult concept. It is a common process Soldiers use every day. However, NCOs have the particular responsibility to understand the strategy at play in the missions they are assigned. Only then will they be able to determine, when unexpected events occur, how to successfully position their Soldiers to accomplish the mission.

Article published on: Sept. 18, 2017


Three Wise Men: Lessons from Trusted Mentors to the Army Leader

By Lt. Col. Jason Borg, Deputy Commander, Chicago District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

I recently had the privilege of interviewing three recently retired command sergeants Major, all three highly successful, and very senior Army leaders. They left such an impression on me, from the time we first met, and watching them advance to the very top of our Army’s leadership continues to impress me. They continue to grow, develop, and mentor the people around them, inspiring me to ask them for some explanation or blueprint for their success.

Article published on: Sept. 15, 2017


Overcoming Rural Challenges

By Staff Sgt. Travis Blunck, 57th Military Police Company, 728th Military Police Battalion

Recruiting is a challenging mission regardless of the organization that needs to fill its requirements. The U.S. Army is no different and recruits out of every geographical, sociological, and economical environment within the country. Finding able-bodied young men and women who are qualified and willing to serve can be overwhelming, and finding them in a rural environment can be even more challenging.

Article published on: Sept. 13, 2017


Atheist Chaplain: “Is there room in the foxhole?”

By William La Falce, NCO Journal

The U.S. Army is a dynamic organization with Soldiers as diverse as the communities they come from. As the demographics of the American fabric vary from mainstream religious identities to secular atheist, non-religious humanism identities, so do the Soldiers serving in the U.S. Army.

Article published on: Sept. 11, 2017