Are the NCO's the true grit of the military?

Question

We must respect the officers rank. It is our job, but some of those green, 2nd Liutenants don't know **** from a french fry!

Yes sir Bert T!

bestmiler1, you should know that we joke around about this stuff all the time. Ease up captain.

Answer 1

LOL well I know when I was in, I came to the conclusion, the reason some of the NCOs, especially E-6s, were SSGs only because they would be completely useless in any civilian capacity. But I had some damn fine NCOs and LTs (butterbars included) We had a WO who started as a SSG then a WO (this was Military Intel) switched over to 2LT and was put into our unit again as an XO; because he had been an NCO beforehand, he knew what the deal was and he was one of the finest officers it was my privildge to serve with.

I worked for female LTs straight out of West Point and I worked for tiny little females who were tough as nails. MI has a seriously higher proportin of females than any other Army MOS, and, as with any group, there were poor and there were good, more poor than good in most cases, unfortunately.

It made me think it would be a great idea, all officers should have to be NCOs for at least a year before getting their butterbar. They have to lead a squad so they know what's realistic and what isn't.


Whoops just reread your actual question, I totally agree of course, NCOs (good ones who have the welfare of their squad or platoon at heart) are ABSOLUTELY the grit of the Army at least.

Answer 2

Hey pal, I have been on both sides of this fence. NCO'S are the real leadership backbone of any military. When I was a NonCom I had to lead and decide on the spot. When I became an Officer all I had to do was tell the NCO what was I wanted him to do. And you are right, some of those 2nd Lt, 90 day wonders were scared S++++less as soon as they got on the ship to Nam. However, not all were that way. I have seen soon that were really good leaders.

Answer 3

I was an NCO, a Staff NCO, and a commissioned officer. Each structure has their own unique duties and responsibilities commensurate their rank. Each structure has their share of shitbirds also. In combat, this knowledge becomes known quicker by all concerned. Typically, with regard to your comment on 2nd Lieutnenants, good senior NCOs will take care of their green Lts. until they know the ropes. These Lts go on to lead companies and higher echelons, but everyone has to start somewhere. Good, green Lts will solicit and covet the advice of a good senior NCO. In combat, this happens at warp speed.

Answer 4

well butter bars get us lost on patrols (cant spell lost w/o LT) ive seen my fair share of good and bad NCO's the army definatley wouldnt work with out the NCO corp.

i had a buddy who went on a training mission into the Ukranine to show them why NCO's were important. they impressed the Ukranie officers with there abilities to do things. one specific example was Land Nav. my budy just used dead reckoning and got them there in half the time it woulda taken them.

also the job of the NCO corp in the Army isto train soldiers. they run the ranges they come up with the training of the men. they lead them into combat and direct the Squad/fire team elements that lead the army to victory. the job the NCO preforms is an intregal part, officers communicate what needs to be done and the NCOs make sure it is done

Answer 5

NCO's are the Backbone of the Corps. The Best Officers I served with are Prior Enlisted or Warrant officers. To be a good leader you must have been a good follower.

Answer 6

as has been said---some officers are little better than spoiled cabbage at the grocery store--
true-there are some NCO's that don't deserve it and get worse power trips than some butter bars
on the other hand---without good educated and common sense-smart NCO's--the military would be almost totally useless
NCO's who truly know their stuff is what keeps it all going
I personally agree that the very best officers are prior NCO's

Answer 7

Basically, officers are the ones you see on the news talking about getting things done.

The NCO is the one out there actually getting the things done.

Answer 8

Wow, you wouldn't think that this question would gather so much animosity from someone who hasn't graduated from a single thing yet. I don't have a problem with officers that try to be good leaders. I just don't like those with the "because I said so" attitude. Those unfortunately comprise a good deal of junior officers I've seen.

I'm also confused as to how someone who hopes to enter the air force "in a few years" can even begin to compare himself to a well-disciplined marine by typing out "Semper Fi" as if it were some meaningless saying.

Answer 9

Perhaps, but there are some clueless NCOs as well. The military is a reflection of the rest of society: there are people who don't belong where they are all up and down the chain of command.

Answer 10

Agreed! All officers are a waste of space.. They don't even do anything.. Just sit back while telling everybody else to go on missions.. Pi$$ me off!!

And get paid a hell of a lot more at that.. pftt...