The period of NOC development 1925-1945 demonstrates the Army NCO corps evolvement from very small numbers to very large numbers. It also shows the development of their duties, their weapons, combat formations and training changes during this time period. ... NCO leadership should mean intense personal involvement with Soldier training, leading, caring and checking. Actions certainly do speak louder than words. Being in charge does not make you a leader; your Soldiers make you a leader. Leaders foster an atmosphere of high expectations, heroic effort and personal commitment. Don't be afraid to get dirty. Brag about your people and not yourself. They should also have strong convictions, opinions, and display them in all situations. Soldiers watch, listen and evaluate every leader's action. Be at the critical time and place. Lead by example and enforce standards. At some time in our careers, we have all seen a First sergeant or a Command Sergeant major show up in the field for a short period of time, ask totally useless questions, look at the troops after spending a whole 15 minutes and say "Well guys, I've got to go to a meeting, carry on!" He showed up clean, smelling good, and usually with food or drink purchased on post and then left the same way. This is not what our Soldiers expect or deserve.

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