(Army Times) Opinion: Insulting headline

[unhappycamper]

Insulting headline

The cover of the Nov. 3 Army Times, which states “Smarter NCOS/ Making sergeants more like officers,” is, quite frankly, inflammatory and insulting.

Who is the editor of the Army Times to say that (noncommissioned officers) need to be smarter and to make them “smarter,” they need to be more like officers? From my understanding of the article, the changes in Noncommissioned Officer Education System programs are to give NCOs a new tool in their kit bag — more extensive knowledge of the officer side of the house, particular at the strategic level. I fail to believe that the Army believes that its senior NCOs lack the intelligence or experience of your average officer, as the headline clearly implies.

Think of the damage that your message is sending to (Reserve Officer Training Corps) and West Point cadets who will soon be in the field with NCOs. Unfortunately, some new officers coming into the Army already do not understand the value of the NCO corps and do not understand the NCO corps until their platoon sergeant shows them the ropes.

There are brilliant officers at every level in our Army. However, there are equally as many brilliant NCOs who make the day-to-day mission happen. I have clear memories from my squad leader days, of my dynamic platoon sergeant (who was later awarded the Silver Star in Iraq for giving his life for his country), spending hours mentoring not only his junior NCOs but the platoon, in order for our platoon to survive on the battlefield.

The headline completely discredits those NCOs who are currently serving our nation and who have served in years past. The NCOs in today’s Army often hold advanced degrees and I have personally known junior NCOs who hold degrees beyond that of many of our commanders. They remained NCOs because they simply enjoyed being with the soldiers and “getting dirty.” It is attitudes like yours that are causing so many of our NCOs to get out of the Army or go to the “dark side.” I guess that is so they can be around other “smart” soldiers.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_opinon_headline_112408/%2e

[lazer47]

1. DO NOT!!!! CALL ME SIR!!! I work for a living,,,,says it all

[jedr]

2. On a ship , if the Captain wants to know what's really going on;

He doesn't call in the Lt. Commander that's in charage of the Division, he calls in the Master Chief Petty Officer or a Warrant Officer ( in war time). That's the way it always been ,and always will! Ask Bosshog!