NCO Journal April 2026 Articles
The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development
Digital Literacy
By Retired Sgt. Maj. Dietrek G. Louis, M.Ed. and Dr. Ruth A. Busby
AI and VR are transforming military training. But to maximize these tools in NCO development, digital literacy is essential. Equipping instructors and Soldiers with digital skills ensures better training, readiness, and mission success.
Article published on: Apr. 27, 2026
The "Be, Know, Do” Approach in the Ukrainian Military
By Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Sergio Porras
The Ukrainian military transformed its NCO corps by adopting the "Be, Know, Do" framework. Shifting from Soviet-style rigidity to decentralized command, these reforms built a professional, NATO-interoperable force prepared for modern multi-domain operations
Article published on: Apr. 24, 2026
What Is Next Generation Command and Control?
By Command Sgt. Maj. Waylon D. Petty
The 4th Infantry Division is prototyping Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2). This "whole-stack" modernization — spanning Transport, Integration, Data, and Apps — aims to deliver faster decision-making and lethal overmatch for the joint force.
Article published on: Apr. 20, 2026
Building the Lethal Sergeant Major
By Sgt. Maj. Jermaine Render
To build more lethal Sergeants Major, the Army must develop staff proficiency in NCOs before they become senior leaders. Integrating mid-grade NCOs into staff roles creates advisors who can synchronize operations and drive mission success in complex environments.
Article published on: Apr. 17, 2026
Once the Backbone
By Command Sgt. Maj. Nancy Weinberger
A call to action for senior NCOs: The backbone of the Army has eroded. Discipline, traditions, and tactical competence are fading. It is time for senior leaders to mentor the next generation, enforce standards, and restore the professionalism and heritage of the NCO Corps.
Article published on: Apr. 15, 2026
Enhancing Individual Physical Training
By Command Sgt. Maj. John P. Rivera Jr.
The Army's current fitness guidance is often insufficient for Soldiers training individually, leading to suboptimal performance and a higher risk of injury. Integrating modern fitness apps can provide the necessary personalized, data-driven plans to bridge this gap. Adopting this technology will enhance individual readiness, reduce injuries, and build a stronger, more resilient force.
Article published on: Apr. 13, 2026
Rethinking the Army’s Motorcycle Program
By Sgt. Maj. Rene O. Aleman
To improve motorcycle safety, the Army should shift from a compliance-driven program to one focused on culture. This means emphasizing mentorship, skill-building, and community over paperwork and mandatory check rides to turn safety into a shared value, not just a requirement.
Article published on: Apr. 8, 2026
Transforming the Sergeants Major Course
By Sgt. Maj. Lisa Walker & Sgt. Maj. Jennifer Fulkerson
Army’s Sergeants Major Course is revamping distance learning — cut from nearly two years to 10 months and aligned with the resident program. The tougher, unified curriculum boosts readiness, elevates prestige, and prepares senior NCOs for multidomain ops.
Article published on: Apr. 8, 2026
Truth, Lies, and Mission First
By 1st Sgt. Timothy M. Hardy Jr.
The nobility of the profession rests not only on ideals but on the lived realities of Soldiers and NCOs who embody the Army Values, manage difficult truths, and steward the profession with integrity. Their commitment ensures that the profession of arms remains a sacred trust and a calling to serve with honor in the face of adversity, between obedience, honest counsel, and ethical stewardship of the profession.
Article published on: Apr. 3, 2026