Does China have a NCO Corps?

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 09 May 2022 16:27:59 -0400

Hey after watching the slow implosion of the Russian Army against Ukraine, I am curious, does China have an NCO Corps or is their Army like Russia's?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2022 5:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2022 17:38:28 -0400

Most countries have an NCO Corps but they seldom resemble anything that we have in the US. This is a good article that is pretty recent that talks about it.

https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2022/05/ncos-america-has-them-china-wants-them-russia-struggling-without-them/366586/

NCOs: America Has Them, China Wants Them, Russia is Struggling Without Them

Non-commissioned officers, long the “backbone” of the U.S. military, are proving even more crucial on modern battlefields.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 10 at 2022 8:12 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 10 May 2022 08:12:49 -0400

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2022 2:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2022 14:12:45 -0400

China does have NCO's but unlike America, most nations don't utilize their NCO's the same way we do.

NCO's are less empowered to lead Soldiers at lower levels as many militaries around the world place an emphasis on officers leading and being the sole decision makers without allowing for that ability to improvise, adapt, and take the appropriate actions in the absence of orders.

A good modern example of this might by the Russia-Ukraine War in which Russia is losing many field grade officers as well as general officers.

Another difference seen around the world and even with our NATO allies is Warrant Officers. In the U.S., warrants are technical experts and aviators primarily, in other countries they are part of the Enlisted structure and fill roles like Regimental Sergeant Major further reducing the responsibility of a strong NCO Corps.