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NCO Journal July 2026 Articles

The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development

Introducing Systems Thinking Early

By Sgt. Maj. Liela Shadmani, Ph.D.

The U.S. Army trains NCOs to execute tasks linearly, but delays teaching systems thinking — understanding how actions interact across echelons — until senior ranks. Introducing this cognitive foundation early at the BLC would reduce friction, waste, and double work.

Article published on: July 17, 2026

Developing Leaders and Building Trust Through Counseling

By Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew S. Richter

Effective counseling builds trust, develops Army leaders, & boosts unit readiness. To move past "check-the-box" counseling, units must actively train & certify junior NCOs, leverage senior leaders' experience, and prioritize proactive, calendar-focused engagement.

Article published on: July 13, 2026

War Dogs: More Than a Weapon

By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn-Montanez

From colonial camp sentries to elite SEAL missions like the bin Laden raid, military working dogs have served as vital tactical partners. They detect threats, track enemies, and save lives, proving that human-canine trust remains irreplaceable on the battlefield.

Article published on: July 10, 2026

What Did You Inspect Today?

By Command Sgt. Maj. Philip B. Blaisdell and Sgt. Maj. Robert N. Christensen

Inspections aren't just about compliance — they are the vital tool for building discipline and trust. By checking equipment, looking out for Soldier welfare, and conducting honest self-inspections, leaders transform abstract standards into actual battlefield readiness.

Article published on: July 6, 2026

Embracing "Red": Building Stronger Leaders Through Honest Assessment

By Master Sgt. Jason F. Bushong

Embracing "red" assessments on slides isn’t a sign of weakness — it is the foundation of leadership. Hiding problems to protect careers destroys trust. We must own our gaps openly to build truly unstoppable formations.

Article published on: July 2, 2026