Noncommissioned officers are taught at a young age to live by the NCO Creed. This document has served as the cornerstone of our responsibilities and values since its inception in 1989. It specifically addresses the use of position for pleasure, profit, or personal safety. We continue to develop our leaders and prepare them for a multitude of demanding positions at a very young age. When we are placed into leadership positions we are responsible for the welfare of our Soldiers. Officers do not have a creed. They are simply placed into positions at different times throughout their career. They are expected to uphold the constitution and orders, same as the NCO; however they tend to think they are above certain aspects of leadership. It is not a hierarchy in which the officer makes a statement and things begin to happen. Each officer is appointed an NCO as an advisor, I wonder why this is? If officers were capable of making coherent decisions when it comes to the overall welfare of Soldiers, I don't believe they would need an NCO. This has not changed since my induction into the NCO Corps. Officers will always need an NCO to keep them straight and ensure the Soldiers come first. When appointed to battalion command, you cannot expect anything but change. Each commander has his or her own vision, and goals they expect to reach by the end of their term. When they step in and automatically assume they are "royalty", animosity builds and the team starts to deteriorate. NCO's can advise and continue to fight, however a "pig headed" officer who has their own agenda will not listen or care about the unit, only what makes them look good in the eyes of their superiors. I have experienced the best of both situations. Leaders who do everything they can to build the esprit de corps of the organization and leaders who care about nothing but themselves.

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