The U.S. military has long been regarded as one of the most formidable forces worldwide, and much of its strength is attributed not just to advanced technology or weapons, but to its noncommissioned officers (NCOs). These individuals play a pivotal role, shaping the very foundation of the military’s effectiveness through their leadership and training methods.
According to Michael Weimer, the Army’s sergeant major, NCOs are the true source of competitive advantage for the U.S. military. This assertion echoes sentiments shared by other senior NCOs, who argue this system of leadership, emphasizing the empowerment of lower-ranking troops, sets American forces apart. They believe this leads to improved decision-making at all levels and makes for more adaptable and resilient combat units.
Looking beyond the elite officer corps, which may share similar educational backgrounds with armies worldwide, we find the real differentiator lies among the enlisted forces. U.S. military leaders highlight their greater investment and trust placed upon NCOs as they provide the day-to-day leadership necessary for effective operations.
Troy Black, the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, points out how young recruits are assigned significant responsibilities right from the outset of their training. This strategy fosters not only readiness but also develops their leadership skills early on. “What we require them to do, the method we train them with, the requirements being placed upon them — they’re incredible,” he explains.
America’s reliance on empowered enlisted personnel is nothing new. It dates back to past conflicts, such as World War II, where troops trained to think independently managed to outmaneuver and outperform enemies entrenched with larger forces. This autonomy allowed U.S. troops to seize objectives and utilize creativity on the battlefield effectively.
Contrast this with the situation faced by the Russian military during its invasion of Ukraine, where rigid command structures led to catastrophic failures. The inability of troops to act decisively after the loss of their commanding officers resulted in chaos and confusion. Retired General Mark Milley recalled, “The Russians have a system of command-and-control that's very micro-controlled. Once their leaders are out, their troops are helpless.”
Today’s battlefield presents its own unique challenges, as advancements in technology revolutionize warfare. The war in Ukraine has illustrated how drones and satellites are transforming the dynamics of command and control, allowing real-time intelligence to be fed directly to infantry units. NCOs are now operating with even greater autonomy and responsibility, enabling swifter responses to changing conditions on the ground.
A historical divide between commissioned and noncommissioned officers has revolved largely around education. Traditionally, commissioned officers entered the military after attending college, often going on to earn advanced degrees. By comparison, NCOs often enlisted directly after high school, focusing their education through military training and certifications.
Yet, this line is blurring as the military embraces higher education among enlisted personnel. Findings from recent Pentagon demographics reveal approximately 20% of Space Force enlisted members hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, with the Army not far behind. This shift indicates the military’s acknowledgment of the importance of education for adapting to modern warfare.
Heath Jones, the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard, embodies this new trend. He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees, highlighting the growing emphasis on education for NCOs. Many now argue for the value of education as not just beneficial, but necessary to maintain relevance amid rapidly changing technologies.
The lessons from the military extend to civilian organizations, particularly how fostering leadership and empowerment can yield tangible benefits. Leaders across all sectors are encouraged to distribute authority, support educational opportunities, and put trust in employees to execute their responsibilities. “You need to have people out there with the experience and the confidence who can make those decisions,” Tony Whitehead, adviser for the National Guard, stresses.
It’s clear: the successful military framework of America leans heavily on the capabilities of its NCOs, who are not only tasked with the day-to-day leadership but are now elevated as key players with unprecedented decision-making authority. Empowerment, education, and real-time adaptability seem to be the essence of American military strength against any adversary.
These insights paint a compelling picture of how the U.S. military prioritizes the development of its NCOs. By investing heavily both emotionally and materially, it seems positioned well for future challenges on the global stage. While adversaries may follow the traditional chain of command, America’s military flexibility may very well explain its enduring dominance.
