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".

This is a practical and easily accessible guide for those new to the joint environment and staff assignments. With input from serving action officers and senior leaders, here are the competencies and behaviors of highly effective and successful joint staff officers which provide a roadmap for career self development. This is the most current joint information available for managing staff activities.

On 9/11, USN Commander Suzanne Giesemann was aboard the military aircraft Speckled Trout as it flew over the just-demolished Twin Towers. As aide to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she strode beside him through the still-smoldering Pentagon. All those lives gone in an instant, robbed of the chance to live their dreams: would she and her Naval captain husband get to live their own dream? Come along as Suzanne and Ty leave it all behind, seeking and then sailing Liberty to remote fjords as they adapt to the cruising life, meet the challenges of rough weather and a medical emergency at sea--and ultimately question whether this dream could--or should--last a lifetime.