NCO Journal July 2025 Articles
The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development
Beyond Points
By Staff Sgt. Austin Baker
The Army should provide equal access to career-enhancing opportunities, Staff Sgt. Austin Baker writes. He proposes promotion system revisions aimed at better identifying leaders at all ranks. Discover his ideas and perspective.
Article published on: July 24, 2025
Joint Planning and the Battle of Okinawa
By Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. Wittenhagen
Examining the Battle of Okinawa reveals the pivotal role of effective joint planning in combat, Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Wittenhagen writes. Analyzing the World War II campaign, he discovers lessons relevant to modern military operations. Read his insights.
Article published on: July 18, 2025
Sustaining the Fight Through MOS Competency
By Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres
Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres highlights growth opportunities for NCOs, from working with FedEx or Amazon in the Training with Industry (TWI) program to earning certification or becoming an Observer Coach/Trainer (OC/T). Read his Muddy Boots article on mastering your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Article published on: July 14, 2025
Live the NCO Creed Every Day
By Retired Master Sgt. Marcus D. Taylor
In the Army, Retired Master Sgt. Marcus D. Taylor used the NCO Creed to inform his leadership, training, and professional development. Today, he shares his method for internalizing and applying the creed’s principles. Learn his 2-R.O.A.D.S. Framework.
Article published on: July 11, 2025