The American Army copied the structure of the English and continental European Armies. The NCOs role was to ensure the privates stayed in a straight line and moved toward the enemy. The earliest known NCO system existed in the Roman Legions and appeared again in the French Army under Charles VII in 1445. Local town or village militias formed to provide protection from Indians and warring European powers. The NCO was needed to lead small units (squad-sized) to counter hit-and-run attacks from Indians, a responsibility unique to NCOs of the colonies.

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