NCO Journal May 2023 Articles

The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development

What is the Purpose of Use or Lose Leave?

By Sgt. Maj. David J. Vowell

It is always good practice to set the example and take leave as a leader, as this shows your Soldiers the importance of rest and recovery, though sometimes it cannot happen because of mission requirements and therefore, leave remains untaken. Considering what has happened culturally and physically across the globe, the Army should allow for more than 60 days of accrued leave, compensate Soldiers for lost leave or expand government leave programs to prevent Soldiers from the pain of losing earned.

Article published on: May 29, 2023

The Importance of Empowering Your Subordinates

By Sgt. Brandon Burnett

The time we spend investing in empowering and developing our subordinates will pay dividends in the future for the Army as an organization. We as leaders must ensure that the Army is equipped with capable and confident future leaders, starting with trusting and empowering those below us.

Article published on: May 19, 2023

COVID-19 Resiliency at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy

By Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Rich Adams & Retired Sgt. Maj. Jesus Gonzalez

It is important to listen to the stories our Soldiers want to tell in the pursuit of achieving their own resiliency. There is uncertainty in our future, but one thing is for sure, the student Soldier will survive and succeed.

Article published on: May 15, 2023

Want to avoid a FLIPL? Focus on Supply Discipline

By Col. Glenn A. Henke

Learn about the Army's tolerance for failure in generating learning and improvement, except for supply discipline, where adverse consequences can result. The article focuses on the Command Supply Discipline Program (CSDP), which provides concrete guidance for leaders and soldiers to maintain supply discipline and avoid adverse fiscal and professional consequences.

Article published on: May 1, 2023