https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/ The NCO Journal is the official digital publication of noncommissioned officer professional development and is published "online" under Army University Press in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The NCO Journal provides a forum for the open exchange of ideas and information pertinent to the NCO Corps. It supports training, education, and development and encourages ideas and solutions to prepare the U.S. Army for the future fight. en-us Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:45:44 +0000 https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/February/Battlefield-Now/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/February/Battlefield-Now/ The multi-domain battlefield is a complex and dynamic operational environment undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid advancements in technology, pervasive surveillance, and escalating ethical challenges. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Dr. Robert Nelson; Retired Sgt. Maj. Robert Shawlinski; Retired Sgt. Maj. James Perdue; Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Pingel; Retired Sgt. Maj. Cregg Cannon; Sgt. Maj. Fabio Lusiani, Italian Army; Retired Sgt. Maj. Vernon Yates Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal February 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Just-Listen/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Just-Listen/ Struggling with promotions? The Army already gives the roadmap. Meaningful professional growth counseling, knowing DA PAM 600‑25, pursuing key schools, staying ready, and owning your development are the keys to standing out and moving up. Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis R. Kirk Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/Counterproductive-Leadership/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/Counterproductive-Leadership/ Counterproductive leadership is damaging Army readiness. Strengthening NCO development through early assessments, better coaching, and healthier leadership habits can improve unit climate, retention, and overall effectiveness. Master Sgt. Christopher L. Thompson Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal January 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/From-Broke-to-Battle-Ready/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/From-Broke-to-Battle-Ready/ Low pay, lack of financial literacy, and general money stress impacts morale, readiness, and retention, especially for junior enlisted. Discover the steps that can help fix financial futures. Rebekah Lindsley Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal January 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/From-Sun-Tzu-to-Modern-Skies/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/From-Sun-Tzu-to-Modern-Skies/ Modern warfare demands agility. From Sun Tzu to UAV threats, movement & maneuver remain key — guided today by adaptable senior enlisted leaders. SGMs/CSMs must fuse tech, training, and protection to stay ahead of evolving threats. Master Sgt. David F. Trueblood Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal January 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/Difficult-Conversations/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/Difficult-Conversations/ Effective communication is vital in every facet of the Army, but it is especially important when issues arise with Soldiers that require having difficult conversations. Larry Golba, Ph.D.; James C. Deller, Ph.D.; Mary-Louise Hotze, Ph.D.; Jeffrey E. Fite, Ph.D.; April D. Sanders, Ph.D.; Scott T. Walters, Ph.D. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal January 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/Enlisted-Education/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/Enlisted-Education/ The Army must evolve its passive education through active transformation. SGM Randall Austin says PME must develop leaders who are not only competent, but cognitively agile, ethically grounded, and strategically minded. Sgt. Maj. Randall Austin Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal January 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/First-Sergeants-Edge/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2026/January/First-Sergeants-Edge/ Drawing from 36 months of experience, 1st Sgt. Hardy offers insights into the multifaceted role of a first sergeant. He delves into practical lessons on managing expectations, fostering relationships, conducting realistic training, and implementing effective talent management. His article serves as a guide for leaders at all levels, emphasizing that successful leadership is a dynamic and continuous process of growth, adaptation, and empathy. 1st Sgt. Timothy M. Hardy Jr. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal January 2026 Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Discipline-Saves-More-Lives-Than-Marksmanship/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Discipline-Saves-More-Lives-Than-Marksmanship/ Discipline is the key to survival and success. From individual Soldiers and teams to NCOs and the entire organization, upholding the standards of discipline and integrity are everyone's responsibility. Command Sgt. Maj. James L. Light Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Striking-a-Balance/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Striking-a-Balance/ Command Sgt. Maj. Charles D. "Doug" Walker of the 101st Airborne argues leadership and management are inseparable, with presence, time management, and echelon-appropriate focus shaping effective units. He responds to Kevin Rasins, urging data-informed systems, talent placement, and face-to-face communication to build resilient, combat-ready formations. Command Sgt. Maj. Charles D. "Doug" Walker Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Reaching-the-Finish-Line/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Reaching-the-Finish-Line/ A Soldier shares how setting goals helped him overcome an injury from a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan. Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen LaRocque's decision to run a marathon becomes a family effort, and he shares a lesson about casualty evacuation. Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. LaRocque Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Standing-Strong-Together/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Standing-Strong-Together/ Army Reserve families demonstrate resilience every day, writes Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty. He reminds Soldiers to remember to thank the people who pick up the slack when they're gone. Read his Muddy Boots article. Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Whose-Job-Is-It/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Whose-Job-Is-It/ Regarding Army leader development, Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Kupratty asks, "Whose job is it anyway?" Professional military education (PME) and schools alone? No, he writes. Experience, mentorship, and continuous learning are crucial. Read his Muddy Boots article. Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Kupratty Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/MOS-Competency/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/MOS-Competency/ Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres highlights growth opportunities for NCOs, from working with FedEx or Amazon in the Training with Industry (TWI) program to earning certification or becoming an Observer Coach/Trainer (OC/T). Read his Muddy Boots article on mastering your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/nco-journal/muddy-boots/fundamentals-first/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/nco-journal/muddy-boots/fundamentals-first/ "A unit's initial mission doesn't define its value but its ability to learn, grow, and deliver," Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker writes. An approach from the NCO's toolbox allowed his team to flourish in Afghanistan. Read how in his Muddy Boots article. Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Train-for-Your-Worst-Day/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Train-for-Your-Worst-Day/ Trust isn't just valuable, writes Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor. It's lifesaving. Learn how training for the worst transformed Soldiers into a cohesive team with faith in one another, and find out how that paid off during harsh combat in Iraq. Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Standards-and-Discipline/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Standards-and-Discipline/ Why do Soldiers violate grooming standards, Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Dodson asks, and why don't others correct them? The answer reveals how to make on‑the‑spot corrections properly — and why. Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Dodson Jr. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Home-Station-Training/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Home-Station-Training/ Enhancing training — at home station and the crew and platoon levels — is essential for successful training rotations. By investing in their development, the Army can ensure that battalions and brigades thrive, ultimately leading to more effective resource application and overall mission success. Command Sgt. Maj. John P. McDwyer Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Warfighting-Readiness/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Warfighting-Readiness/ We live in a turbulent world, Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry writes, with the prospect of combat on the horizon. Four things can ensure you're ready to give the best to the nation's sons and daughters preparing for war. Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Developing-Team-Leaders/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Developing-Team-Leaders/ New NCOs lack experience but must lead Soldiers who were buddies only a day before. How can they, especially when future battlefields will be faster and deadlier than ever? Developing team leaders is key. Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph "DP" Delapena Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Leading-by-Example/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Leading-by-Example/ CSM JoAnn Naumann discusses how NCOs can align their time with their priorities to lead effectively. Effective time management allows NCOs to set the standard, inspiring their Soldiers to do the same. Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/March/Future-Army-Challenges-and-NCO-Development/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/March/Future-Army-Challenges-and-NCO-Development/ NCOs are critical to the Army's daily conduct. If they lack personal and professional development, the consequences affect the whole organization. CSM Neil H. Sartain explores how to best develop the NCO corps. Command Sgt. Maj. Neil H. Sartain Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/March/Competence-is-My-Watchword2/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2025/March/Competence-is-My-Watchword2/ Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley highlights competency's vital role in NCO leadership and unit readiness. Tactical and technical proficiency, coupled with self‑awareness and strong leadership, keep Soldiers prepared for combat. Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Tough-Realistic-Training/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Tough-Realistic-Training/ Challenging, realistic training is critical for developing Soldier resilience, combat readiness, and adaptability. Rigorous preparation ensures they are equipped to handle future conflicts' unpredictable and demanding conditions. Command Sgt. Maj. LeVares J. Jackson Sr. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Go-Where-the-Suffering-Is/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Go-Where-the-Suffering-Is/ The importance of CSMs and chaplains collaborating to build a culture of spiritual readiness and resiliency within Army units cannot be overstated. By working together, they can create a supportive environment that fosters purpose, hope, and meaning. Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh (Mobar) Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Dont-Wait/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Dont-Wait/ The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief National Guard Bureau recounts his experiences on Sept. 11, 2001, sharing lessons on avoiding complacency and ensuring peak performance. SEA John T. Raines III Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Sustaining-Combat-Readiness/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Sustaining-Combat-Readiness/ Through continuous improvement and strategic investments, the Army Sustainment Enterprise ensures that its combat formations and support functions are executed flawlessly. Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Sellers Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Technology-at-Point-of-Contact/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Technology-at-Point-of-Contact/ Embracing technological advancements while mastering warfighting fundamentals enables Soldiers to remain agile, effective, and lethal in modern warfare. Command Sgt. Maj. T. J. Holland Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/NCOs-Role-Strengthening-Army-Profession/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/NCOs-Role-Strengthening-Army-Profession/ NCOs act as guardians, mentors, and role models — shaping the Army's culture and inspiring trust through exemplary leadership. Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Continuous-Transformation/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Continuous-Transformation/ Continuous transformation is key to outmaneuvering emerging threats — ensuring Soldiers are equipped with the best tools and training. Command Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Hester Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Combat-Doesnt-Care-Weimer/ https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Muddy-Boots/Combat-Doesnt-Care-Weimer/ The SMA recounts a challenging combat mission in Iraq, where his team faced unexpected resistance while pursuing a high-value target. The intense firefight tested their readiness and discipline. In this article, the SMA emphasizes the importance of preparation and leadership in large-scale combat operations (LSCO). Mastering the basics and being genuinely prepared are crucial for success, especially in future conflicts against near-peer adversaries. 17th Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 NCO Journal Muddy Boots Edition