U.S. Pacific Command NCOs Play Vital Role in Readiness

At the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting in October 2008, the Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren announced that 2009 would be “the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO),” celebrating accomplished military professionals who provide an invaluable service, making great sacrifices on behalf of our Nation.

Throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility, NCOs from every branch of service are playing a key role in daily operations and advancing PACOM and U.S. strategic interests throughout the region.

The contributions our enlisted leaders make in the areas of education, training, and discipline act as a model for many of the world’s armies to emulate.

In October 2008, a delegation consisting of three noncommissioned officers and 10 officers from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) visited PACOM. This marked the first time in history enlisted members were part of an official delegation to another nation. It was also the first step in developing exchanges between the two nations which helps to promote stability and security throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.

While visiting PACOM, the PLA NCOs developed a better understanding of the structure and role of the U.S. NCO Corps and the U.S. military, and interacted with senior enlisted members from the Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army.

Exchanges such as these help to develop relationships, eliminate misunderstanding of intention, and help break through barriers of communication.

We expect our NCOs to be standard bearers. We empower our NCOs to operate autonomously and ensure their subordinates are prepared to function as effective unit and team members in order to accomplish any mission.

Well-trained and disciplined military members are a direct reflection of the senior enlisted members responsible for their health and welfare. The more disciplined and better trained its members are, the more prepared a force is to respond to any situation.

NCOs play a vital role in day-to-day operations in PACOM. They provide inspiration and motivation; train, mentor, and care for subordinates and families, provide sound advice and counsel to senior leadership, and have well earned the moniker “backbone of the military.”

Sailor's Creed
Marine Corps Staff NCO Creed
Army and Air Force NCO creeds