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NCO Journal March 2026 Articles

The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development

Train as You Write

By Master Sgt. Nathan P. Feinberg

In an evolving Army, it's important to "train as you write." Integrating writing into daily training isn't just academic — it's essential for developing effective leaders, clearly communicating intent, and preserving invaluable experience for the next generation of Soldiers.

Article published on: Mar. 30, 2026

Cognitive Warfare

By Dr. Robert Nelson and Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Pingel

Modern battlefields amplify every action. “Cognitive warfare” turns junior Soldiers’ decisions into strategic impacts as adversaries weaponize mistakes through disinformation. Strong leadership, discipline, and information literacy are key to resilience.

Article published on: Mar. 27, 2026

Engaged Leaders

By Staff Sgt. Melinda B. Jones

Engaged leadership is the cornerstone of a strong force. It means setting priorities, communicating clearly, fostering a positive environment, and building trust. This empowers Soldiers, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Article published on: Mar. 23, 2026

NCOs’ Role in Training Safety Through the Lens of the Singapore Army

By First Warrant Officer (1WO) Kok Leong Ho

Counterproductive leadership is damaging Army readiness. Strengthening NCO development through early assessments, better coaching, and healthier leadership habits can improve unit climate, retention, and overall effectiveness.

Article published on: Mar. 20, 2026

Resiliency: The Cornerstone of Air Defense

By Command Sgt. Maj. Richard C. Pyles Jr.

Air defense resiliency isn’t a lesson — it’s a lifestyle. Through disciplined training, trust, and unwavering teamwork, Soldiers create certainty in chaos. Their strength, commitment, and shared hardship keep the mission moving and each other lifted. Training is the ultimate resilience.

Article published on: Mar. 16, 2026

An Exchange That Redefined Brazilian Leadership

By Sgt. Maj. Mauricio da Silva Souza

A nearly 30-year partnership sending Brazilian NCOs to the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Course inspired a transformative change in the Brazilian Army: the creation of the Adjunto de Comando (CSM) position, which has strengthened leadership and enhanced institutional effectiveness.

Article published on: Mar. 13, 2026

The Drone Battlefield

By Command Sgt. Maj. Jermaine Baldwin

The 2045 Drone War redefined combat with AI, robotics, and swarms of drones. Soldiers adapted as hybrid operators, blending tech and tactics. The U.S. Army’s innovation and training ensured victory, marking a new era of warfare.

Article published on: Mar. 9, 2026

Judgment Day

By Master Sgt. Raymond T. Fain

AI and ML are reshaping the Army, but their true value depends on NCO leadership. NCOs are crucial for interpreting AI outputs, advising commanders, and ensuring new technologies are integrated ethically and effectively, reinforcing that human judgment is the ultimate force multiplier.

Article published on: Mar. 6, 2026

Enhancing Medical NCO Expertise

By Command Sgt. Maj. Victor J. Laragione

Medical NCOs must get real clinical reps — not just simulations — to build true expertise. Leaders play a critical role in securing training, rotations, and partnerships so medics can maintain proficiency, strengthen readiness, and save lives when it matters most.

Article published on: Mar 2, 2026