NCO Journal

07/01/2025

"A unit's mission doesn't define its value but its ability to learn, grow, and deliver," writes CSM Bryan D. Barker. An approach from the NCO's toolbox allowed his team to flourish in Afghanistan. Read now in his Muddy Boots article: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/nco-journal/muddy-boots/fundamentals-first/
U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command NCO Leadership Center of Excellence Army University

“A unit’s initial mission doesn’t define its value but its ability to learn, grow, and deliver,” Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker writes. An approach from the NCO’s toolbox allowed his team to flourish in Afghanistan. Read how in his Muddy Boots article.

06/27/2025

The rise of individualism threatens Army cohesion, writes CSM Errol H. Brooks. Emphasizing shared purpose can reform Soldiers who are more focused on social media status and hair color than on the training and proficiency combat requires.

Read on: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/nco-journal/archives/2025/june/one-team-one-fight/

7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy U.S. Army U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) NCO Leadership Center of Excellence Army University Press

The rise of individualism threatens Army cohesion, writes Command Sgt. Maj. Errol H. Brooks. Emphasizing shared purpose can reform Soldiers who are more focused on social media status and hair color than on the training and proficiency combat requires.

06/20/2025

Leaders must understand the human behind the uniform. MSG Matthew Rouse shows how by sharing his own journey from high school dropout and troubled Soldier to a Sergeants Major Academy student.
Read here: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/nco-journal/archives/2025/june/leadership-matters/
U.S. Army U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command NCO Leadership Center of Excellence

From troubled youth to Sergeant Major Academy, Master Sgt. Matthew W. Rouse shows how supportive leadership can rebuild lives and unleash soldiers’ potential.

06/16/2025

In today’s Muddy Boots article, CSM Jonathan Reffeor reminds us that trust is earned through relentless preparation, repetition and shared struggle. Training side by side, Soldiers become more than ready – they become unbreakable.
Read here: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Train-for-Your-Worst-Day/
3rd Infantry Division U.S. Army U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) NCO Leadership Center of Excellence

Trust isn’t just valuable, writes Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor. It’s lifesaving. Learn how training for the worst transformed Soldiers into a cohesive team with faith in one another, and find out how that paid off during harsh combat in Iraq.

06/14/2025

06/13/2025

People are the most important asset in the Army. SGT D'Angelo Isaac explains how valuing and recognizing every Soldier – regardless of rank or role – strengthens unit culture and drives performance.

Read more: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/June/People-First/

"People First" is a guiding philosophy that should be evident in every Soldier's daily actions and decisions. By valuing and respecting their contributions, the Army promotes a culture of respect, which is indispensable for its success.

06/06/2025

High performance can come at a personal cost. MSG Leonard Grimes explains how building a strong system — a “village” — helps leaders overcome anxiety, enjoy their service and reach their full potential.

Read more: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/June/Find-Your-Village/


U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command U.S. Army U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)

To unlock your full potential, writes Master Sgt. Leonard D. Grimes, identify and leverage your support system. Leaders who do — and who immerse themselves in the present — thrive in the face of challenges accompanying success.

06/02/2025

Standards and discipline are the bedrock of the Army. In today's Muddy Boots article, CSM Jerry Dodson emphasizes how on the-spot corrections, done with dignity and respect, reinforce trust, professionalism and readiness.
Read here: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Standards-and-Discipline/


U.S. Army U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)

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. Read this Muddy Boots contribution on standards and discipline.

05/30/2025

The Army’s strength depends on its people. SGM Andrew Gregory writes that today’s unsustainable OPTEMPO strains readiness, impacts retention and challenges the well-being of Soldiers. Sustainable solutions start with proactive leadership.

Read here: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/nco-journal/archives/2025/may/unsustainable-optempo/

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command NCO Leadership Center of Excellence U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division 4th Division Sustainment Brigade

The current operational tempo (OPTEMPO) may impede the Army’s ability to fulfill its core mission, Sgt. Maj. Andrew Gregory writes. Discover his solutions to the challenges that accompany a demanding pace.

05/29/2025

Now Accepting Applications: The Harding Fellowship!

Do you have a passion for leadership, ideas, and communication? The Harding Fellowship offers a fully funded master’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas — followed by two years as editor-in-chief of your branch journal.

Lead the conversation. Shape the future of your formation.

Learn more: https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Harding/

U.S. Army | U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command | U.S. Army Combined Arms Center | Army University

The Harding Fellowship is a prestigious three-year program for Army Captains, Master Sergeants, and Chief Warrant Officers seeking to enhance their leadership and communication skills through graduate study and editorial experience.

05/29/2025

This month, as part of the commemoration, we focus on America’s First Battles.

In the May 2013 edition of NCO Journal we chronicled the Army’s transition from a COIN-centric conflict to Large Scale Combat Operations. The article “Decisive Action: How to Fight and Sustain in the Army’s Future Battles” addressed the role of the NCO and the Combat Training Centers in ensuring readiness for the next “First Battle”.

The NCO’s role in developing individual competencies, enforcing standards, managing tactical logistics, and leading units to mission accomplishment are essential to battlefield success. In times of peace, tough, realistic training will set the conditions for true readiness when lives are at stake.

“We want your hardest day in combat to be here at NTC.”

Read it here: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2013/May/05-28-Decisive/

05/27/2025

The Army’s strength depends on Soldier readiness, and 1SG Daniel Darrt explains how improved nutrition education at every level can transform performance and recovery. Investing in nutrition is investing in the force’s future success.
Read more: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/May/Fueling-the-Fight/


U.S. Army U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM)

Simple changes to how the Army trains and educates Soldiers on nutrition will save billions of dollars, writes First Sgt. Daniel J. Dartt. It will also increase the well-being and readiness of the force.