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NCO Journal April 2025 Articles

The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development

The Infantry First Sergeant Manning Issue

By Master Sgt. Darren G. James

When units fill first sergeant positions with sergeants first class, writes MSG Darren G. James, the result is adverse effects on readiness and retention. He explores the issue and proposes a practical solution.

Article published on: April 28, 2025

NCO Relevance

By Sgt. Maj. Bradley J. Beavers Jr.

For SGM Bradley J. Beavers Jr., a warfighter exercise (WFX) illustrated how NCOs must take active roles in functions. Otherwise, he writes, they risk irrelevancy. Learn how he believes NCOs can increase their value and involvement.

Article published on: April 25, 2025

Are You Developing Team Leaders?

By Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph “DP” Delapena

New NCOs lack experience but must lead Soldiers who were buddies only a day before. How can they, especially when future battlefields will be faster and deadlier than ever? Developing team leaders is key, CSM Randolph “DP” Delapena writes.

Article published on: April 21, 2025

Bridging the Gap Between Doctrine Theory and Practice

By Brazilian Sgt. Maj. Antonio V. M. Pires

Improving Army doctrine requires knowing how Soldiers apply it in the field, writes Brazilian SGM Antonio V. M. Pires. Observing a training activity with troops from nine countries provided insights beneficial to his classroom and students.

Article published on: April 18, 2025

Elevating Jungle Warfare with Mountain Techniques

By Master Sgt. Daniel Ryan

Inspired by mountaineering techniques, Master Sgt. Daniel Ryan developed Jungle Mobility Training (JMT) to prepare Soldiers for thick vegetation, steep ravines, and sweltering heat. He explains how it can shape our Indo-Pacific theater operations.

Article published on: April 14, 2025

The Onion Analogy

By Master Sgt. Brandon C. Johnson

In multi-domain operations (MDO), defensive operations are like an onion: They have layers. MSG Brandon C. Johnson peels into the idea to reveal how to avoid being hit (and how to hit the enemy).

Article published on: April 11, 2025

Leading by Example

By Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann

In this Muddy Boots article, CSM JoAnn Naumann discusses how NCOs can align their time with their priorities to lead effectively. Effective time management allows NCOs to set the standard, inspiring their Soldiers to do the same.

Article published on: April 7, 2025

Rethinking the ACFT Alternate Cardio Events

By Master Sgt. Grant C. Smith

CSM Steven J. Henderson gained tremendous insight as a command sergeant major for a basic training battalion at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He shares what he learned about teamwork, talent management, organizational leadership, and more!

Article published on: April 4, 2025