If NCOs are the backbone of the Army, is the Sgt Maj Academy then, the school for "Chiropractors" or "Doctors"?

2014-11-14T08:00:26-05:00

The current NCO Educaton Systems are closely related among the services. They seem to be the NCO version of the officer model of basic/advanced course =bachelor degree; C&GS or similar = master's degree; War College = Doctorate.

None of the schools seem to teach how to follow the lead of their officer counterparts. There is much emphasis on leading, perhaps not enough on how to be an effective follower.
What's your take on that?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 14 at 2014 8:03 AM

2014-11-14T08:03:28-05:00

"Followership" is an important part of "Leadership." There is not a class in any of the NCOES or SSD modules that discusses the Officer/NCO relationship at any of different unit levels. This has always been accomlpished either through word of mouth or through trial and error. I would be interested to see a block of instruction generated to address this topic.

Response by SSG Peter Ludlum made Nov 14 at 2014 10:51 AM

2014-11-14T10:51:11-05:00

What NCO's and Officers need to know about leadership cannot be taught in a classroom or from a book or even god forbid death by power point. Following and Leading are skills that are taught through mentoring. It is not a one size fits all but more of a skill learned on the fly. The current NCOES is nothing more than a product of PC leadership. Although the immersion training cycle is a good addition. You must be a follower before you can be a leader. Just my 2 cents worth