Posted on Oct 14, 2015
SSG Ricardo Marcial
5.44K
11
4
6
6
0
This is subject I have tried to explain to several fellow employees and to other recruiters. An NCO (E6-E9) will likely get overlooked over a JMO (2LT-CPT), the discussion it usually an JMO has a degree, has a higher level of responsibility, is a leader (I have to hold back a laugh when I here that) because of his/her rank.

In my opinion both are equally qualified, there are plenty of NCO with degrees, a Bachelor's or some with MBA. And while an officers career progression is pretty much timed, an NCO can spend several years at a rank, particularly in the Guard/Reserves. All are exposed to different environments, leadership and development level which are often overlooked when compared.

In my current position as a recruiter I take a look at both, and an NCO, in particular a Senior NCO will get a second look before a JMO. No disrespect to that JMO, but with 20+ years of service and the rank of CSM, he/she will get a second look.


https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ultimate-military-hiring-debate-hire-jr-officers-jmos
Posted in these groups: Military civilian 600x338 TransitionImages 20 NCOsOfficers logo Officers
Avatar feed
Responses: 4
MAJ FAO - Europe
1
1
0
Hopefully, it would depend on the required job qualifications, and how well a certain individual met those qualifications, more so than if one left the Service as an officer or an NCO.

Lots of comments in RallyPoint and elsewhere suggest that lots of NCOs and Soldiers have college degrees. As a college degree is often a minimum requirement for a job, and as in general more officers than NCOs have degrees, this might be a factor that favors officers. Does anyone have the data that shows what percentage of NCOs have college degrees?

As its illegal to discriminate based on age, there might be a slippery slope with preferencing someone with 20 years experience over someone with slightly less experience (unless the minimum job requirements state outright that a certain number of years of experience is required), as you suggest might happen in your current capacity.

It's also fairly difficult to compare the experiences of a senior NCO and a company grade officer; are you really seeing former senior NCOs and company grade officers apply for the same job? What types of jobs are these, where the minimum requirements can be met by both a senior NCO and a company grade officer?
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
1
1
0
The debate of Officer/NCO during their careers: My experience has seen Officers move into leadership positions for 12 - 24 months and want to sprint the entire time while the NCO stays there (sprinting before and after) sprinting with the next Commander. Don't get me wrong, the Commander is the one responsible, it is his name on the line, but it is a dedicated NCO checking, inspecting, verifying, certifying, following up and making sure the mission gets done. I think you are a rarity in your thought process SSG Ricardo Marcial, and nice to hear that perspective.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SCPO David Lockwood
1
1
0
This all depends on the company. I have seen that companies who want experience are more likely to hire NCOs. Other companies who want young with some experience are more likely to hire LMOs.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close