SERGEANTS MAJOR OF THE ARMY

Sergeants Major of the Army

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of sergeants major in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on U.S. military and its relation with NCOs. The Sergeant Major of the Army is a non-commissioned rank in the US Army. The rank holder is the senior enlisted member and serves as a spokesman to mention the important concerns of enlisted soldiers to all officers, from Warrant Officers to the Army's highest positions. The research also analyzes many aspects of sergeants major of the army and tries to gauge its effect on NCOs.

Sergeants Major of the Army

Introduction

Since 1775, the Army has set apart its NCOs from other enlisted Soldiers by distinctive insignia of grade. With more than 200 years of service, the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps has distinguished itself as the world's most accomplished group of military professionals. Historical and daily accounts of life as an NCO are exemplified by acts of courage, and a dedication and a willingness to do whatever it takes to complete the mission. NCOs have been celebrated for decorated service in military events ranging from Valley Forge to Gettysburg, to charges on Omaha Beach and battles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, to current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In recognition of their commitment to service and willingness to make great sacrifices on behalf of our Nation, Secretary of the Army established 2009 as Year of the NCO. Throughout 2009, the Army honors NCOs through initiatives and events that: Enhance awareness and public understanding of the roles and responsibilities of today's NCO (Green, 2010).

Argumentative Essay on U.S. military NCOs: The Story Of the Noncommissioned officer Corps

NCOES

The Army began to explicitly define NCO duties during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (AR 27-10, 1999). NCOs were already a part of American military culture in the Jamestown colony, where the first American militia was formed. “The militia structure, in which an entire town formed a single company, emphasized the need for noncommissioned officers. The local militia quickly divided into squads, each with its own NCO, to share the burden of rotating guard duty”. The colonial militias remained in existence until the time of the Revolutionary War, when they were by and large incorporated into the George Washington's Continental Army.

Warfare in this period was characterized by linear tactics, in which armies would face each other in long lines and exchange fire. NCOs held the positions at the ends of the line and directed the timing of volleys. Linear tactics remained the standard until after the American Civil War. The role of the NCO was greatly expanded under the direction of General-Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, the German who was appointed second inspector general of Washington's army in 1778. (Field Manual Headquarters 7-22.7 ,2002) Von Steuben introduced a new rigor to the training of soldiers: “As the Continental Line prepared to enter the decade that culminated in victory, von Steuben's drill manual, or ...