"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, known as "The Backbone of the Army." ( Fisch & Wright 1989, p. 4). One of the Commanders' responsibilities is to empower the NCO Corps through education and began to recognize NCOs as a distinct and essential group, separate from those they led in the past, and provide them a career ladder to climb with knowledge and training needed to climb it. The implementation of the Skill Qualification Test (SQT) was the beginning to helping NCOs to be more proficient in their technical skills by being tested once a year. The removal of this testing system has weakened the enlisted force. As we move forward into the new millieum our leadership traits as NCOs will be challenged time and time again. One great American hero Sergeant Alvin C. York has left an outstanding legacy for NCOs to emulate. NCOs must uphold our tradition on the Army values and what right looks like for subordinates and junior Officers to follow.

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