The Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)

Paper Summary:

This paper explains how the role of the non-commissioned officer (NCO) began in 1775 with the birth of the Continental Army and has continued to evolve ever since. The paper discusses the contributions of NCOs during the Civil War and in the First and Second World War. The paper relates that today in Iraq and in other parts of the world, NCOs play a vital role in the growing technological complexity of the Army.

From the Paper:

"The role of the non-commissioned officer (NCO) was integrated into the history of the United States since its first days and has continued to evolve ever since. It began in 1775 with the birth of the Continental Army. Similar to the American Army, it blended the different aspects of European and Prussian traditions into a unique American institution. After the publication of the specific responsibilities in the 1779 Blue Book, the NCO educational system grew significantly, combining history and tradition with expertise and ability to prepare for changing combat situations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Arms, L.R. (1989) Short history of the NCOs. Museum of the noncommissioned officer.Website retrieved March 23, 2007.
• Giangreco, D.M, and Moore, K. Why a 200-year-old decoration offers evidence in the controversy surrounding the Hiroshima bombing. American Heritage Magazine51(8). [electronic version]
• U.S. Army Study Guide. Website retrieved March 23, 2007. http://www.armystudyguide.com/
• Website for Young Marines. Marine Corps History. Website retrieved March 23, 2007. http://chadduck.com/ymarines/history/history.htm
• Wolfowitz, Paul, Secretary of Defense (2004). Website retrieved March 24, 2007.http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=140

More papers on The Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO):

• Analytical Essay # 150110 : "The Empowerment of the American Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)"
• Descriptive Essay # 105514 : "Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)"
• Term Paper # 93514 : "NCOs in Vietnam"

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