NCO and leadership

[Pegasus]

Its difficult to debate the value of NCO's as a single homogenised group.

Referring to the British Armed forces, L' corporals tend to be those that have been in a while and know the ropes and are capable of keeping the newbies and di##heads reasonably in line. If they stay long enough and demonstrate some initiative and 'role-based' capability they will make Corporal

Sergeants, (including WO's) on the other hand, are the most important rank in the army. They are the link between the commissioned officer corps and the ranks, between the 'intent' and the 'action'. All the practical effort is organised and lead by sergeants. This group needs all the skills of the above, but also the presence, leadership skills, and determination that will encourage others to follow. (if memory serves me right, the biggest proportion of VC's are sergents) This would apply whether the men where defending a position, assaulting a strong point, building a bridge or delivering supplies. Out of all the ranks, I would say Sergeants and WO's are the most significant force multipliers out of all ranks (Bar an inspirational force leader - eg Napoleon, Patton, Nelson, etc)

The required qualities for sergeants are built on a base of an individuals qualities and character and developed through training and experience. It's an apprenticeship that can't be re-crated in a classroom or in any other way 'fast-tracked'.

As any junior subaltern knows, if you don't earn the respect of your sergeant, you might get away with just a bit of a hard time. If he thinks you're a total prick you may end up as a "FBC"