The following is a short history of the U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer. This work is produced in hope that it will prove useful to the wide variety of NCOs in the field and to visitors of the U.S. Army Museum of the Noncommissioned Officer, who seek additional information on NCO history. The history is presented in a chronological manner and is based upon a variety of works listed at the end of the paper. Sources are noted throughout the paper in the folloing manner: (*von Steuben). It should be pointed out that two unpublished works in the museum's reference files were of great help; these works are the two Fisher Manuscripts noted in the Sources Consulted. Several oral histories and other works drawn from the museum's archives were used to give depth and provide the primary resources to the pamphlet.

This monograph is a short history of the U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer (NCO). The history of the United States Army and of the noncommissioned officer began in 1775, with the birth of the Continental Army. The American noncommissioned officer did not copy the British. He, like the American Army itself, blended traditions of the French, British, and Prussian armies into a uniquely American institution. As the years progressed, the American political system, disdain for the aristocracy, social attitudes, and westward expansion further removed the U.S. Army noncommissioned officer from his European counterparts and created a truly American noncommissioned officer. The history is divided into the following wars/time periods: the American Revolution, the War of 1812, Expansion Westward, the 1820s and 1830s, the Mexican-American War, the 1850s, the Civil War, the Indian Wars, the 1880s and 1890s, the Spanish-American War, Modernization, World War I, the Interwar Period, World War II, the Post-World War II Era, and the Modern Era. The work is produced in the hope that it will prove useful to the wide variety of NCOs in the field and to visitors of the U.S. Army Museum of the Noncommissioned Officer who seek additional information on NCO history.

New revised edition which updates the 1989 version which culminated the Center of Military History's contribution to the Year of the NCO Corps since 1775. Has added chapters on Desert Storm, the Army during the 1990s, the Army in Afghanistan, and a new epilogue to carry the story forward. Contains portraits of NCOs in action; and selected documents on responsibilities, professional status and specialist rank. Appendices include: evolution of NCO rank insignia, and a gallery of Noncommissioned Officer heroes.

The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer BACKBONE of the Armed Forces. Introduction The Backbone of the Armed Forces To be a member of the United States Armed Forces--to wear the uniform of the Nation and the stripes, chevrons, or anchors of the military Services--is to continue a legacy of service, honor, and patriotism that transcends generations. Answering the call to serve is to join the long line of selfless patriots who make up the Profession of Arms. This profession does not belong solely to the United States. It stretches across borders and time to encompass a culture of service, expertise, and, in most cases, patriotism. Today, the Nation's young men and women voluntarily take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and fall into formation with other proud and determined individuals who have answered the call to defend freedom. This splendid legacy, forged in crisis and enriched during times of peace, is deeply rooted in a time-tested warrior ethos. It is inspired by the notion of contributing to something larger, deeper, and more profound than one's own self. Notice: This is a printed Paperback version of the "The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer BACKBONE of the Armed Forces". Full version, All Chapters included. This publication is available (Electronic version) in the official website of the National Defense University (NDU). This document is properly formatted and printed as a perfect sized copy 6x9".

A pocket-sized guide to being a good leader, for non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Discusses US Army values in 'user-friendly' terms, from the perspective of a former member of the NCO core. Introduces three different types of leadership styles for 3-meter, 50-meter, and 100-meter soldiers. Praise for The Three Meter Zone “I have read plenty of leadership books and find this one to be the most realistic . . . This book is down to earth, with plenty of scenarios, quotations and situations that can easily be related to a reader’s past, present and future. I highly recommend this book.”—Army Magazine “Pendry’s book is both timely and useful . . . I encourage all battalion and brigade commanders to add it to their unit’s professional reading list . . . Read this book, take up his challenge to critically examine ourselves and our styles.”—Armor Magazine “[J. D. Pendry] does a superb job of relating his own personal experiences and tying them into everyday leadership and management principles ... It is not too difficult to transfer the lessons presented here to any other military service or civilian application.”—U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings “Business and corporate leaders would do well to take [Pendry’s] lessons to heart.”—Ocala, Florida, Star Banner