Posted on Sep 1, 2023
Should NCO rank progression and commissioning be tied to educational degrees?
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This topic popped up recently in the CSM Facebook group (credit: CSM Sloan).
The idea is that at a certain point in an NCO's career (say E6), they should be eligible for commissioning (with a degree) to 2LT. The military could retain direct commissioning, but eliminate NCO progression past that point and bring back the technical ranks. The example given in discussion was to follow concepts of law enforcement rank progression.
I found that it was an interesting discussion and see the pros and cons. Obviously SEAs would be eliminated as well as PSGs and 1SGs. This would put the brunt of running small units back on the officer.
The idea is that at a certain point in an NCO's career (say E6), they should be eligible for commissioning (with a degree) to 2LT. The military could retain direct commissioning, but eliminate NCO progression past that point and bring back the technical ranks. The example given in discussion was to follow concepts of law enforcement rank progression.
I found that it was an interesting discussion and see the pros and cons. Obviously SEAs would be eliminated as well as PSGs and 1SGs. This would put the brunt of running small units back on the officer.
Promotions
NCOs
Officers
Education
Military Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 54
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Interesting question. We might do well to look at the British army's "Late Entry Officer" program, which is essentially the same as what you suggest. It opens the door for senior NCO's and warrant officers to receive direct commissions and seems to work pretty well.
It is not the route I followed as a chaplain (Professionally Qualified Officer) but it does work to keep highly skilled NCOs in army leadership when they've reached the top or near-top of the progression ladder.
Check out this link for the details.
https://bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com/military-training/armed-forces-of-the-united-kingdom/british-army-phase-1-initial-military-training/british-army-late-entry-le-commissioning-process/
It is not the route I followed as a chaplain (Professionally Qualified Officer) but it does work to keep highly skilled NCOs in army leadership when they've reached the top or near-top of the progression ladder.
Check out this link for the details.
https://bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com/military-training/armed-forces-of-the-united-kingdom/british-army-phase-1-initial-military-training/british-army-late-entry-le-commissioning-process/
British Army Late Entry (LE) Commissioning Process
PART ONE: BACKGROUND 1.0 Introduction This article provides an overview of the British Army’s Late Entry (LE) commissioning process. A number of Arms and Services (A&S) within the British Army …
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How would that affect the way we fight, considering ATP 3-21.8? Doesn't seem outrageous, but would it be worth it? That would be a pretty big shift.
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Of course, PSGs have been gone for a long time. AFAIK, they converted them all to SFCs. If converted to Technicians, they would be Technical Sergeants. 1SG would be a job, not a rank. We would have to rename the Technicians since pay grades have been reversed. For example, a Tech 4 would be a Tech 5 and a Tech 5 would be a Tech 4. Tech 3 would be a Tech 6. Already discussed Tech SGT.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
SPC Edward Abney - Biggest difference is Techs ranked just below the non tech. For example, a Tech 4 ranked below a SGT and above a CPL. OTOH, All specialists ranked between a PFC and CPL. Specs were available for fatigue duties, too.
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