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Publishing Disclaimer: In all of its publications and products, NCO Journal presents professional information. However, the views expressed therein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Army University, the Department of the US Army, or any other agency of the US Government.

The articles in this collection are written by the Army's most experienced noncommissioned officers. They capture the valuable experiences they gained from extensive careers and share them with the Army—lest they painfully repeat mistakes of the past. Through this series of articles, these senior NCOs lead from the front. They demonstrate the importance of contributing to the Army's body of knowledge and they challenge you to do the same.

Reflect on your careers, capture your hard-fought lessons, insights, or ideas, and contribute
them to the NCO Journal or your branch journal so others may learn and grow.

Line of Departure Muddy Boots and Powerful Pages: Why We Write Advice on Journal Article Writing Professional Military Writing Special Edition

Featured Article

What Did You Inspect Today?

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.

June 6, 2026

Don’t Admire the Problem, Fix It!

Don’t Admire the Problem, Fix It!

By Command Sgt. Maj. Phil K. Barretto

Don’t admire the problem, fix it! By changing the West Point “tactical NCO” title to “Military Science Instructor,” leaders aligned roles with Army doctrine. This ensures NCOs get proper credit for training future officers. See a gap? Step up and drive the solution.

June 1, 2026

How to Add a Little Polish to Your Muddy Boots

How to Add a Little Polish to Your Muddy Boots

By Sgt. Maj. Brian M. Disque and Erik N. Anderson

Well-worn "muddy boots" may get leaders far, but senior Army roles require new polish. Disque and Anderson explain how relationships, empowerment, and self-awareness help tactical experts grow into strategic leaders.

May 18, 2026

Dear Future Sergeants Major

Dear Future Sergeants Major

By Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy Everette

After more than 30 years in uniform, Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy Everette shares hard-earned advice for future sergeants major: stay humble, lead transparently, protect your credibility, and never forget your roots.

May 4, 2026

What Is Next Generation Command and Control?

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. This whole-stack modernization effort spans transport, integration, data, and applications to help the joint force decide faster and fight with greater overmatch.

April 20, 2026

Leading from the Front

Leading from the Front

By Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Doyle

Resistance in the force is inevitable, but not immovable. Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Doyle challenges NCOs to break barriers, drive change, and lead their formations toward the Army’s future.

April 6, 2026

Resiliency

Resiliency: The Cornerstone of Air Defense

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

Air defense resiliency is more than a lesson; it is a lifestyle. Through disciplined training, trust, and teamwork, Soldiers create certainty in chaos and keep the mission moving through shared hardship.

March 16, 2026

Enhancing Medical NCO Expertise

Enhancing Medical NCO Expertise

By Command Sgt. Maj. Victor J. Laragione

Medical NCOs need real clinical repetitions, not only simulations, to build expertise. Leaders can strengthen readiness by securing training, rotations, and partnerships that keep medics proficient when lives are on the line.

March 2, 2026

The Army Tells You What to Do — Just Listen

The Army Tells You What to Do — Just Listen

By Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis R. Kirk

The Army already provides a roadmap for advancement. Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis R. Kirk points to growth counseling, DA PAM 600-25, key schools, readiness, and personal ownership as promotion keys.

February 2, 2026

Discipline Saves More Lives Than Marksmanship

Discipline Saves More Lives Than Marksmanship

By Command Sgt. Maj. James L. Light

Discipline is essential to survival and success. From individual Soldiers and teams to NCOs and organizations, upholding standards and integrity is everyone’s responsibility.

January 5, 2026

Striking a Balance

Striking a Balance

By Command Sgt. Maj. Charles D. “Doug” Walker

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles D. “Doug” Walker argues leadership and management are inseparable. Presence, time management, data-informed systems, talent placement, and face-to-face communication help build combat-ready formations.

December 1, 2025

Reaching the Finish Line

Reaching the Finish Line

By Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. LaRocque

Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. LaRocque shares how goal-setting helped him recover after an Afghanistan injury. His marathon journey became a family effort and a lesson in perseverance.

August 25, 2025

Standing Strong Together

Standing Strong Together

By Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty

Army Reserve families demonstrate resilience every day. Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty reminds Soldiers to thank the people who keep life moving when duty takes them away.

August 11, 2025

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

By Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Kupratty

Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Kupratty asks who owns Army leader development. His answer goes beyond PME and schools, emphasizing experience, mentorship, and continuous learning.

July 28, 2025

Sustaining the Fight Through MOS Competency

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 Training with Industry to certifications and Observer Coach/Trainer roles, as ways to master MOS competency.

July 14, 2025

Fundamentals First

Fundamentals First

By Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker

Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker argues a unit’s value comes from its ability to learn, grow, and deliver. An NCO-led approach helped his team flourish in Afghanistan.

June 30, 2025

Train for Your Worst Day

Train for Your Worst Day

By Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor

Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor explains how training for the worst built trust, cohesion, and faith across his formation, and how that preparation paid off in Iraq.

June 16, 2025

Standards and Discipline

Standards and Discipline: Making On‑the‑Spot Corrections

By Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Dodson Jr.

Why do Soldiers violate grooming standards, Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Dodson asks, and why don’t others correct them? The answer reveals how to make on‑the‑spot corrections properly — and why.

June 2, 2025

Warfighting Proficiency Through Home Station Training

Warfighting Proficiency Through Home Station Training

By Command Sgt. Maj. John P. McDwyer

Home-station training at the crew and platoon levels is essential for successful rotations. Command Sgt. Maj. John P. McDwyer explains how focused development helps battalions and brigades thrive.

May 19, 2025

Warfighting Readiness Starts with You

Warfighting Readiness Starts with You

By Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry

Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry warns that combat may be on the horizon. He outlines four ways NCOs can prepare themselves and their Soldiers for warfighting readiness.

May 5, 2025

Developing Team Leaders

Are You Developing Team Leaders?

By Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph “DP” Delapena

New NCOs lack experience but must lead Soldiers who were buddies only a day before. How can they, especially when future battlefields will be faster and deadlier than ever? Developing team leaders is key.

April 21, 2025

Leading by Example

Leading by Example

By Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann

Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann explains how NCOs can align time with priorities, set the standard, and inspire Soldiers through disciplined leadership by example.

April 7, 2025

Future Army Challenges and NCO Development

Future Army Challenges and NCO Development

By Command Sgt. Maj. Neil H. Sartain

NCOs are critical to the Army’s daily conduct. Command Sgt. Maj. Neil H. Sartain explores how personal and professional development strengthens the entire NCO corps.

March 24, 2025

Competence is My Watchword

Competence is My Watchword

By Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley

Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley highlights competency’s role in NCO leadership and readiness. Tactical and technical proficiency, self-awareness, and strong leadership keep Soldiers prepared for combat.

March 10, 2025

Tough, Realistic Training

Tough, Realistic Training Is a Form of Taking Care of Soldiers!

By Command Sgt. Maj. LeVares J. Jackson Sr.

Challenging, realistic training is critical for developing Soldier resilience, combat readiness, and adaptability. Rigorous preparation ensures they are equipped to handle future conflicts’ unpredictable and demanding conditions.

Feb. 24, 2025

Go Where the Suffering Is

Go Where the Suffering Is:
CSMs and Chaplains Can Partner to Improve Spiritual Readiness

By Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh (Mobar)

Command sergeants major and chaplains can strengthen spiritual readiness by working together. Their partnership helps build a culture of resilience, purpose, hope, and meaning across Army units.

Feb. 10, 2025

Don’t Wait

Don’t Wait:
Any day could be the next Sept. 10, 2001

By SEA John T. Raines III

SEA John T. Raines III reflects on Sept. 11, 2001, sharing lessons on avoiding complacency, maintaining readiness, and sustaining peak performance before crisis arrives.

Jan. 13, 2025

Sustaining Combat Readiness

Sustaining Combat Readiness

By Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Sellers

Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Sellers explains how continuous improvement and strategic investment help the Army Sustainment Enterprise support combat formations and sustain readiness.

Dec. 9, 2024

Technology at the Point of Contact

Technology at the Point of Contact:
Shaping the Future of Warfighting

By Command Sgt. Maj. T. J. Holland

Command Sgt. Maj. T. J. Holland argues Soldiers must embrace technology while mastering warfighting fundamentals to remain agile, effective, and lethal in modern warfare.

Nov. 25, 2024

The Crucial Role NCOs Play

The Crucial Role NCOs Play in Strengthening the Army Profession

By Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris explains how NCOs serve as guardians, mentors, and role models who strengthen the Army profession through trust and example.

Nov. 12, 2024

NCOs Enable Continuous Transformation

NCOs Enable Continuous Transformation

By Command Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Hester

Command Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Hester explains how continuous transformation helps Soldiers outmaneuver emerging threats with better tools, training, and readiness.

Oct. 28, 2024

Combat Doesn’t Care

Combat Doesn’t Care: How Ready Are You?

By 17th Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer reflects on a combat mission in Iraq to emphasize readiness, discipline, and preparation for large-scale combat operations against future threats.

Oct. 14, 2024