Leadership and The Army Noncommissioned Officer Creed

In honor of Memorial Day, I'd like to share a creed that still guides me as a commissioned officer.

Most of what I learned about leadership came from my enlisted years in the Army, not from the pretty PowerPoint presentations the Air Force likes to churn out.

Leadership in the Army is hands-on sweat, blood and fatigue, not sitting behind a desk.  It was learned from older mentors, honed on the training field, and with OEF and OIF, learned on the battlefield.

Leadership doesn't spring from corporate buzzwords, shifting paradigms (with a hard "g"), or motivational jargon; it comes from knowing your job, knowing your people, and never ordering your subordinates to do something you aren't willing to do yourself.

Leadership isn't cronyism, fancy banquets, stock options, and ego coddling; it's praise in public, punishment in private, continuous mentorship, and above all, fairness.

Leadership isn't loyalty to your paycheck, career ladder, and kisses bestowed on your boss's butt; its loyalty to your subordinates, your supervisor, yourself, and your mission.

Leadership is never about yourself; it's about those you lead.

Captain Mad Pigeon, United States Air Force
United States Army, 1994-1999
Promoted to Sergeant, 6 February, 1998

The Army Noncommissioned Officer Creed

"No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army".

I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role.

All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage.

I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!"

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Comments

[D. Ox]

Great points, even for parents!

[MOGS]

Pidge, please do me a favor.

One of these days, if you don't mind, just stop by the cemetary on USAFA and stop by and visit Maj Jon "Cosmo" Scheer for me again (also check out his memorial over in CS-12 I think it is), and look for Capt Eric Das as well.

I'll be out there probably for my 10-year and do the same, if not sooner.