Is today's Army an officer's Army?

Today's Army remains the only one in the world that delegates and grants power to the Enlisted ranks. Others do it, but not near the level we do. We have given more and more power to NCOs over the years but over recent years all ranks have had some power taken always due to the times we live in mainly. I understand complaining about the executive in charge of the warehouse when you are working on the line, but if you want to be an executive then do so. Some people draw there desire and purpose in different ways. If I had stayed enlisted, I would have hopefully one day been a CSM, and I would have been just as proud to have held that rank and honored for the opportunity. I spent my 1st 7 1/2 years enlisted and in the beginning I complained like every else. Then I realized that I had a desire to become an officer, not because of the power, but because I wanted to continue to do my best and have an opportunity to influence, mentor and develop subordinates. I become an officer to ensure that I would have a great chance to ensure the climate was healthy, the mission was accomplished, the Soldiers were care for and no one's time was wasted for no reason if I had any say in the matter

Let me say this NCO is the back bone of the Army and always remember you can't spell Lost with out the LT.

I have been out since before the purges of the senior NCO and line combat command Officers corps (thank God). But, if you will think about it , it fits in with the Soviet/Communist model preferred by the group currently in power. The Officer corps in the Soviet era was run entirely by Officers, Politically appointed for Political reliability, and virtually no NCO authority. This is because in a Totalitarian/Elitist/Elitist society the "Proles", "Serfs", "Peasants" or whatever you might choose to call them can't be trusted by the ruling class, as the designs and intents of the two classes are at odds. The destruction of the middle class in the United States has now put us in that position. This is all detailed in the Communist Manifesto. READ IT. What Officers remain in Combat commands were chosen for "Political Reliability".

I don't think NCOs have lost "power." Over twelve years in service I have seen a dramatic shift in work ethic and some weakness in their ranks.

I'm sure this will infuriate some but I'm sure many can agree the NCO corps isn't what it used to be.

Hey, SGT:

This question could be taken a few different ways; however, let me see if I can suggest something in the line of an answer. "Today's Army" is most likely the same as it has always been, albeit the additional scrutiny in the way of alleged transparency.

I began my career enlisted, then transferred to the dark side, after making E5. I would disagree in the way that I had more control (or power) as a team leader. I say this as my actions had a greater affects on my subordinates; both professionally and emotionally. As an officer, I am constantly reminded that the NCO lane is not the O-Country lane. I now make the plans, pitch the plans to higher and receive the inevitable guidance that "this is no longer in the budget."

My only power is now used to provide everything that I can to my soldiers to ensure they are mission ready. Rather as ready as my limited resources can make them. NCOs still hold the ultimate power to cause the very real political movements, within the ranks, that move troops slower or move troops faster. The power is still where it was likely to have always been.

Respectfully,

Definitely and the lack of respect for an NCO experience and ability to influence our soldiers is one of reasons I left. We have Bachelor's degrees, Masters, multiple Leadership advancement schools, more field experience and no power or voice. There are still ol' school O's that know the value of their (exceptional) NCOs. However, political BS of officers and higher ranking NCOs has trickled down and become the norm for promotion determinations.

Yes yes yes!!!! Nco is now the ass crack of the army. No longer are they the back bone. I miss hearing a SFC or SSG tell a Lt to
SitDown and shut up. Your
Job is beans and bullets mine is to purpose and direction. You do that today and your facing Article 15. Army soft should be the motto.

My generation said the same thing. What we have to remember officers are in command. NCO are not, they carry out the wishes of thee Commander

When generals get slaps on the wrist for things I would be put under the prison for.... not only is it an Officer's Army.. it is a corrupt, tyrannical, and amoral Army at that whose values aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

In 1973 when I was a PVT there was talk of the NCO Corps losing authority to officers. When I got my commission in 1984 there was talk of the NCO Corps losing authority to officers. When I retired in 2012 there was talk of the NCO Corps losing authority to officers. Nothing new here folks. In my experience the vast majority of NCO's fully understand and embrace their role and duties. The vast majority of commissioned officers also understand and embrace their roles and duties. When I took command of my first field artillery battery I asked my First Sergeant if he would sign the property book and take responsibility for the battery. He looked at me like I was on something besides air and made it clear that as the Commander I had 100% responsibility for my battery. The good - the bad - and the ugly. In two years we never had a disagreement about authority or responsibility. We both knew our roles and made a great team.