What It Means to Be an Nco

Self-confi dence, the abilities to listen and communicate, and a view of the larger picture are all skills required of a noncommissioned offi cer (NCO). The mission of an NCO is to fulfi ll what we call the “backbone” of the Army. We are individuals who can hear and understand a mission and then take the necessary steps to make it happen. It is an honor to serve as an NCO because I take pride in leading my Soldiers to success. I take pride in contributing to the wider goals of my unit by helping other people succeed. These tasks require me to invest in individual Soldiers, to lead a group of people by instruction and example, and to properly represent the missions and morals of the 82d Airborne Division.
As an NCO, I must know and lead each Soldier under my command. I make it clear that they all must succeed, and I do what is necessary to ensure that each of them is a strong, able part of our group. This requires me to pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses. I work with them to ensure that they are able to physically perform their duties, and I also ensure that they understand how to be a Soldier. Since the Soldiers under my command are paratroopers, they experience the importance of knowledge and ability every time they jump from a plane. As their NCO, it is my duty to help each of them overcome their fears and apply their knowledge in every exercise. An NCO must ensure that each Soldier understands the importance of training. As I pay attention to every Soldier under my command, I also understand that the job of an NCO is to create a strong unit of Soldiers. If I am their leader, I lead them as individuals and as an entire team. My job as an NCO is to spend time every day ensuring that my team is in top physical condition. I push them beyond what they think they can do. An NCO also must lead a team in such a way that commands respect and builds trust.
If I am going to get the job done and fulfi ll orders every day, I
must