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How Important is the NCO to any countries military during the 20th century?  During any time frame?

I served as an NCO for the U.S. Army for over 5yrs.  To put it as basic as possible Officers conducted warefare,  NCO's made sure the soldiers where prepared for warfare.

I have had dealings with other Military personel from other countries and depending if they where a conscripted or professional Army depeneded on the roll the NCO played.

For example Soviet/Russian conscripts that scored high enough on a test went to an NCO school for 6 months and came out a Sgt.  With only 1 1/2 yrs left to serve they could not gain the respect of thier comrades that have already put in 6 months of active duty and there for where not effective.  They left when their 2yrs was up and in came the new class.  The Officers had to take on the roll of preparing soldiers for war.  Warrent Officers took on the roll of Senior NCO's. (The professional group.)  

When I served in South Korea in the late 80's they too had a conscripted Army.  But they put alot more emphasis on the NCO and at least made the Senior Sgt's professional.

I've been through the French Commando course that thier Infantry has to go through and I've done limited training with British and German military.  They all had a prfessional NCO corp.  And as a result I feel a better Military.

These are my oppinions only.  I can only back up with facts about U.S. NCO's learned in mid 80's to early 90's.  I would like to hear others oppinions that support or don't support what I said about the other Nations.

I'd also like to hear comments on what people know about the NCO corp of WWII and other time periods.  Especially the European nations as the U.S. like many nations follow the British model.

Thank you for your time this.

Tim.

Drill Sergeant: Gump! What's your sole purpose in this Army?

Forrest: To do whatever you tell me, Drill Sergeant!

Drill Sergeant: Godamnit, Gump! You're a goddamned genius! That's the most outstanding answer I've ever heard. You must have a godamned I.Q. of a hundred and sixty! You are godamned gifted, Private Gump!



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Forrest: Done, Drill Sergeant!

Drill Sergeant: Gump! Why did you put that weapon together so quickly, Gump?

Forrest: You told me to, Drill Seageant.

Drill Sergeant: Jesus Christ! This is a new company record. If it wouldn't be a waste of such a damn fine enlisted man, I'd recommended you for O.C.S., Private Gump. You are gonna be a General some day, Gump! Now, disassemble your weapon and continue!

Its difficult to debate the value of NCO's as a single homogenised group.

Referring to the British Armed forces, L' corporals tend to be those that have been in a while and know the ropes and are capable of keeping the newbies and di##heads reasonably in line. If they stay long enough and demonstrate some initiative and 'role-based' capability they will make Corporal

Sergeants, (including WO's) on the other hand, are the most important rank in the army. They are the link between the commissioned officer corps and the ranks, between the 'intent' and the 'action'. All the practical effort is organised and lead by sergeants. This group needs all the skills of the above, but also the presence, leadership skills, and determination that will encourage others to follow. (if memory serves me right, the biggest proportion of VC's are sergents) This would apply whether the men where defending a position, assaulting a strong point, building a bridge or delivering supplies. Out of all the ranks, I would say Sergeants and WO's are the most significant force multipliers out of all ranks (Bar an inspirational force leader - eg Napoleon, Patton, Nelson, etc)

The required qualities for sergeants are built on a base of an individuals qualities and character and developed through training and experience. It's an apprenticeship that can't be re-crated in a classroom or in any other way 'fast-tracked'.

As any junior subaltern knows, if you don't earn the respect of your sergeant, you might get away with just a bit of a hard time. If he thinks you're a total prick you may end up as a "FBC"

Hi All

As a former cut lunch commando (territorial) in the New Zealand army.
our lance jacks where guys who had been in so long they had to give it to them.
We once got marched from the back left around a corner straight into a wall,
in front of about 200 marching girls.
but all ranks up from there where there for the men. you had to earn there respect
but once you did you where fine.
the sgts saved us from many a over zealous officer eager to impress the major or such
the orders may come from up high but its the N.C.O's who know what each man is able to do not just look at them as a number

The US Marines places a lot of emphasis on its NCO and SNCO ranks. Individual performance varies, but as a whole they are very good and able to operate in the absence of senior leadership. A Marine SNCO trains officer candidates and provides their initial direct leadership while in Officer Candidate School. It is emphasized to new officers that they should learn from their platoon sergeant and adhere to their advice.

Bottom line is Marine officers plan and Marine NCO/SNCO's execute the plan! Ooh Rah!