NCO Journal May 2026 Articles
The official magazine of noncommissioned officer professional development
Sustainment Is Combat Power: The NCO’s Role
By Singapore 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Zac Douglas Peiwen Xu
Sustainment isn't just support — it is combat power. NCOs drive mission success by treating logistics as a warfighting function, enforcing rigorous standards, anticipating needs before they arise, and protecting supply nodes as critical terrain.
Article published on: May 29, 2026
Finding Your Michael Jordan: Leader Lessons from the 1984 NBA Draft
By Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Disque
Don't repeat the 1984 NBA Draft mistake! When managing talent, look beyond tangible metrics and seek out the intangibles like drive and problem-solving to find the best overall leader, not just a resume fit.
Article published on: May 26, 2026
Strengthening the Army Profession: Audie Murphy’s Legacy
By Master Sgt. Angel I. Alemanmondragon
Discover how the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award and Club strengthen the Army profession. By enforcing standards, prioritizing Soldier development, and honing communication skills, it builds exceptional NCOs ready to lead from the front.
Article published on: May 22, 2026
How to Add a Little Polish to Your Muddy Boots
By Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Disque
Well-worn "muddy boots" got you this far, but senior Army leadership requires a new shine. Transition from tactical expert to strategic leader by building strong relationships, empowering your team, and embracing self-awareness over self-improvement.
Article published on: May 18, 2026
Advancing NCO Development Through Higher Education
By Sgt. Maj. Daniel B. Shealy
To meet 21st-century challenges, senior Army NCO education is evolving. The new Advanced Education Program (AEP) introduces Master's degree paths in Defense & Strategic Studies and Leadership Studies to equip leaders for complex global security environments.
Article published on: May 15, 2026
My AGR Journey from Readiness NCO to CSM
By Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Sergio Porras
From Readiness NCO to CSM, this California National Guard AGR journey highlights the power of adaptive leadership. From tactical readiness to strategic mentorship, it’s a testament to 28 years of dedication and the NCO corps ethos. Embrace the challenge.
Article published on: May 11, 2026
Building Trust Through Community, Service, and Citizenship
By Sgt. Maj. Jorge A. Rivera and Sgt. Maj. Jennifer E. Fulkerson
Public trust is operationally essential for the Army's all-volunteer force. Through daily community engagement, humanitarian response, and veteran leadership, Soldiers and NCOs build the vital civil-military bond needed to generate and sustain combat power.
Article published on: May 8, 2026
Dear Future Sergeants Major
By Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy Everette
After 30+ years in uniform, a retiring CSM shares hard-earned wisdom for future Sergeants Major. Key lessons: stay humble, lead with transparency, protect your credibility, and never forget your roots. A must-read for the next generation of leaders!
Article published on: May 4, 2026
The Feedback Advantage
By Sgt. Maj. Nathan A. Ballinger, Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Ferguson II, and Sgt. Maj. Jorge A. Rivera
Feedback isn't just a polite gift — it's a vital tool for precision improvement. Learn how Army leaders leverage the Johari Window to uncover blind spots, enhance self-awareness, and turn everyday feedback into major breakthroughs for the whole organization!
Article published on: May 1, 2026