An observation of the U.S. military's lack of combat readiness and preparation was evident during the Kasserine Pass of 1943 and Task Force Smith of 1950. These are two battle analyses given in the book America's First Battles which highlights conflicts from the past where the U.S. military went into an operation unprepared. Through assessing root factors that affected U.S. military operations and the role of the NCO, we can take lessons learned from the past to better prepare for ongoing and future operations.

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