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.

NCO Creative Domain

 

NCO Creative Domain Submission Guidelines Creative Writing Prompts

NCO Creative Domain

Welcome to the NCO Creative Domain – This is a space for creative, insightful, diverse, and unconventional works. An outlet to express yourself in ways different than our traditional, scholarly format. Send us your poetry or short fiction stories. Send us reviews of books, video games, movies, or television shows – send us your inspiration.

Use current doctrine to write an imagined future warfighting scenario in fictional or non-fictional settings. We want you to use your imagination and creativity to practice your written communication skills. Share whatever inspires, thrills, and informs you.

As the content here grows, you will see we want creative works that illuminate NCO challenges, explore the future war and technology, and embrace professional development and problem-solving. The NCO Journal aims to spark discussions, encourage innovative thinking, and foster professional development at all levels. This space is yours. We challenge you to fill it with your imagination and creativity. We challenge you to shape the future NCO Corps through the power of your ideas. Welcome to the NCO Creative Domain!

Click the audio player for page narration. Narration Icon

 

Featured Articles

 
 

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