The foundation of the book and my life were instilled by the good order and discipline of the U.S. Army. An institution which mandates camaraderie and diversity within the ranks, despite the trials and tribulations of the greater society. We are shaped as a diversified force which will put aside differences for the greater good.The lesson learned from my service as an American Soldier shaped my development as I matured from adolescence to manhood. Consequently, this education provided the resolve to handle the trials and tribulations of war at an early age and the transformative impact it made.

In a military career spanning more than three decades, Bill Bainbridge saw service in three wars, fought in two of them, and was captured in one. He received ten Good Conduct Medals, two awards of the Combat Infantry Badge, three Army Commendation Medals, and the Distinguished Service Medal, among others. But the greatest moment in his career came when he was selected to be Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army, its highest NCO position, an office he was the first to hold for four years. But Bainbridge's most important job in his illustrious career was tending to the welfare of his soldiers. Top Sergeant is all about doing what a good sergeant does best -- attending to the needs of his men -- and what it takes to be a great noncommissioned officer in an army that officers are proud to command but NCOs really run.

"The story of Sergeant Major Maurice Jacques is the story of a true warrior. With close to fifty months of combat in Korea and Vietnam, he's one of that rare breed, men who have looked the Devil in the eye?for a long time?and never blinked!"--?LtCol. Oliver North, USMC (Ret.) COMBAT AND DEATH, SACRIFICE AND HONOR Maurice Jacques served for thirty years with the U.S. Marine Corps, nearly six of them in combat. As an accomplished infantryman, parachutist, recon patroller, marksman, combat swimmer, and record-setting drill instructor, Jacques personifies the hard-fought, hard-won legacy of the Marines. With the help of Bruce Norton, he recounts the lessons learned in blood and the courage tested under fire?from the razor-backed hills and icy cold of Korea to the steamy, Vietcong-infested jungles of Nam. In this tough, gripping narrative, he reveals the emotion and chaos of close combat and the sacrifice and valor that have made the Marines legendary worldwide. During his long, dynamic career, Jacques held the position of regimental sergeant major in three different commands and was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. Maurice Jacques is a true warrior, as distinctive and exceptional as the Marines. He was expected to train harder, fight harder, sacrifice more, and is forever proud to be part of the pain, the pride, and the triumph that is USMC. "Doc Norton . . . has done it again. This time, Doc has helped his old diving partner, retired Sergeant Major Maurice Jacques, turn out one of the finest military autobiographies you're ever likely to read . . . You'd be foolish to pass this one up."--Ken Miller, vietnamgear.com

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".

ADP 6-22 describes enduring concepts of leadership through the core competencies and attributes required of leaders of all cohorts and all organizations, regardless of mission or setting. These principles reflect decades of experience and validated scientific knowledge.An ideal Army leader serves as a role model through strong intellect, physical presence, professional competence, and moral character. An Army leader is able and willing to act decisively, within superior leaders' intent and purpose, and in the organization's best interests. Army leaders recognize that organizations, built on mutual trust and confidence, accomplish missions. Every member of the Army, military or civilian, is part of a team and functions in the role of leader and subordinate. Being a good subordinate is part of being an effective leader. Leaders do not just lead subordinates--they also lead other leaders. Leaders are not limited to just those designated by position, rank, or authority.