Creative Article Archive
A Broadcast Journalist’s Journey from Soldier to Storyteller
By Press S. Vanguard
From the rigid structure of military life to the dynamic world of broadcast journalism, the author's career transition was driven not by chance but by a yearning to tell stories that matter. This is his journey from being a military specialist to becoming a voice that conveys the depth of human experience.
Article published on: Oct. 30, 2024
Arctic Sentinels 2035: AI and the Evolving Future of War
By Sgt. 1st Class Joseph R. Malagon
An Army convoy navigates Alaska's treacherous Arctic terrain using advanced AI and drone technology. The story explores how evolving warfare blends cutting-edge technology with human decision-making, balancing trust in machines with military training and instinct.
Article published on: Oct. 16, 2024
Echoes of Home: A Soldier’s Fatherhood Journey
By Sgt. 1st Class Henry T. Gundacker
A soldier reflects on balancing military service and fatherhood, anticipating post-retirement life closer to his two daughters.
Article published on: Sept. 16, 2024
Ingram Poetry Collection
By Master Sgt. Joshua R. Ingram
A Collection of five poems by Master Sgt. Joshua R. Ingram.
Article published on: July 22, 2024
The Drone Patrol, Part II: Blood for Peace
By Gerardo “Tony” Mena
"The drones, now streaked with blood, returned to their cloudlike formation and hovered menacingly above, their red lights casting an eerie glow over the scene." In this sequel to "The Drone Patrol," Tony Mena takes the story in an unexpected turn!
Article published on: July 16, 2024
Never enough time
By Command Sgt. Maj. David Vowell
“Never enough time for what is important,” opens a poem cataloging NCO challenges. Ultimately, the verse celebrates missions won – and provides guidance on how to get things done.
Published on: July 9, 2024
Drone Patrol: Part II
By Command Sgt. Maj. David Vowell
Reeling after an ambush, SGT Jeanine Madden leads a demoralized platoon in hostile territory. She finds value in sound advice and simple determination in this follow-up to our short story “The Drone Patrol.”
Published on: June 27, 2024
Chances
By Chago Zapata, Managing Editor, NCO Journal
The NCO Creative Domain shares its first poem, a reminder to seize the day. NCO Journal Managing Editor Chago Zapata tells readers that while “bullets zip and battle cries, / the warrior spirit will arise.”
Published on: June 17, 2024
72 Hours
By Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Nelson
It’s a nightmare scenario: An intelligence officer’s warnings fall on deaf ears, and aggressors attack. In the NCO Creative Domain, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Nelson shares a dark vision of invasion with a shocking final twist.
Published on: June 14, 2024
Rearview Mirror
By Retired Sgt. Maj. Wascar A. Diaz
Military families enjoy fresh starts and new adventure, but duty also requires leaving behind beloved communities. In the NCO Creative Domain, Ret. SGM Wascar A. Diaz reflects on an Army family life’s rewards and demands.
Published on: May 6, 2024
Why You Should Reinvent the Wheel
By Col. Todd A. Schmidt, Ph.D.
Despite the transient nature of our assignments, we need to be aggressive and progressive in our leadership approach and philosophy. And it needs to be more than PowerPoint deep, more than something we sketch on whiteboards, napkins, or scratch paper.
Published on: April 22, 2024
The Drone Patrol
By Chago Zapata
After a deadly ambush, coin-sized drones investigate – but on the ground, tensions flare. In the first entry in our NCO Creative Domain, Managing Editor Chago Zapata uses fiction to imagine future tech and explore age-old prejudices.
Published on: April 8, 2024