Recent Stories

History is always being made, and often only recently discovered. This is our archive of recent stories highlighted here on ncohistory.com.

NCO Related Historical Subjects:

A History of the NCO This is a reprint and expansion on the original, concise history of the US Army Noncommissioned Officer. Originally titled the Short History of the NCO, curator of the NCO Museum in Ft Bliss Texas Mr. Larry Arms updates and expands on his original writings and brings the reader up to date with NCO history. Short History of the Specialist Rank This is a snapshot on the development of the Technical and the Specialists ranks in the US Army, one which is is still in existence. This also describes the proliferation of enlisted ranks and specialities prior to the rank redesign in Jun 1920. Year of the NCO: Retired NCOs Remember The Year of the Noncommissioned Officer is well underway and NCOs are being honored Army-wide, but Fort Myer Military Community Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Varner III wants to ensure that the year-long celebration of enlisted leaders isn’t limited to those currently serving. Enlisted Titles of Grade from 1958-2011 In May 1958, Congress enacted Public Law 85-422 which established two additional senior enlisted pay grades (E-8 and E-9). Each service was allowed to define the two new pay grades and the Army began to restructure its rank insignia and titles of grade in that year. This is the change over time since 1958 to the present on the changes to the US Army enlisted rank. Long Hard Road: NCO experiences Afghanistan and Iraq This October 2007 book was prepared by the US Army Sergeants Major Academy. The preface reads “The call to war is often met by young Soldiers who lack an understanding of what they are about to encounter. These young Soldiers must be trained, prepared, and then led in battle by those with experience and understanding—the Noncommissioned Officer Corps. In an effort to preserve the history of the US Army Noncommissioned Officer. SMA (Ret.) George W. Dunaway passes away The Center for Advanced of Studies of the United States Army Noncommissioned Officer is sad to have learned of the passing of the 2nd Sergeant Major of the Army SMA (Ret.) George W. Dunaway who served as SMA between September 1968 to September 1970. Born July 24, 1922 in Richmond, VA, SMA Dunaway enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Division in January 1940 and was mobilized with the Division in February 1941. 50-year Anniversary of the 1958 Military Pay Bill The Defense Advisory Committee on Professional Technical Compensation (commonly called the Cordiner Committee) was created in March 1956 “to study a possible adjustment to the existing pay structure” for retention purposes. On 8 May 1957 they recommended to the Secretary of Defense that pay grades E-8 and E-9 be created in all the services.