Empowerment of the American Noncommissioned Officer

Introduction

In the modern time, in order to understand the role and importance of empowerment of American noncommissioned officers, it is imperative to investigate the structure and role of military in different periods. In addition, the cause behind the transfer of military responsibilities from the job description of commissioned officers to that of noncommissioned officers must be studied.

The role of the United States Army noncommissioned officer has its origin in the European Army and continues to evolve. The most significant and notable change is the ever-increasing empowerment of the noncommissioned officer. The NCO corps occupies a significant position amongst the ranks contributing to the high-level professionalism and success in today's Army.

There are three factors leading to the greater empowerment of NCO in the Army, such as the requirement to make the job of the NCOs more technologically based, to acquaint them with the capability to develop the profession of arms in the enlisted ranks, and to increase its competence and adaptation in the modern-day battlefield. The paper discusses the possible causes and consequences of this shift, and the need for continued empowerment of the NCO corps.

Change in structure and functions

Every battle that has been fought in the history has been fought with the latest technology at the time. These innovations are devised in terms of tactics used in war and the ammunitions used to make victory possible. There are three key factors that have led to the change in structure and functions of the non commissioned officers. These include the military regulations, the need for modernizations and last but not the least the increase in the level of awareness and education among military officials. This transformation and up gradation has not been as convenient as it seems. In fact, it was marked by many obstacles. Some officers, to this date, have been found to find it difficult to empower their noncommissioned officers. This may be the cause of status quo or the general resistance from the side of the officers.

The structure and functions of Army have changed significantly during the last few decades. The most prominent evolution can be seen in technology. Compared with the past, soldiers are better equipped and trained. However, there is still a need to train soldiers into using modern technology other than the typical tactics. The battles in the future will be technology oriented and they will take place in far flung areas. Only reaching these places needs technology and the reporting of the war will also be based on technology.

Tactical Mission Commanders require Command Post of the Future (CPOF) operators to begin to receive missions. Tactical Commanders only need to start up the computer and receive situational awareness from one system rather than multiple systems. The need for boots on ground greatly reduces the risk of casualties or damage battle equipment. The process of the Army's transformation is ongoing and continually brings new challenges and expectations for NCOs. The evolving role of the NCOs occupies a significant change ...