NCO Ranks

NCO

Rank	Insignia
E-1 Private	No Insignia
E-2 Private First Class
E-3 Lance Corporal

E-4 Corporal
E-5 Sergeant
E-6 Staff Sergeant
E-7 Gunnery Sergeant

E-8 Master Sergeant
E-9 Sergeant Major

1. The purpose of NCOs:

A. to assist and advise Officers in carrying out their duties.

B. to be prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of the Officer when absent.

2. There are five purposes of NCOs:

A. Decentralize authority (the key element of NCO jobs)

the NCO is trusted with the authority of the Commanding Officer/Platoon

Commander. NCOs must see to it that the Officer's commands are carried out.

B. Provide links between commanders and enlisted men (the most important duty performed by an NCO)

To accomplish the Platoon Commander's plans, the Platoon Sergeant assigns different tasks of the mission to junior NCOs. NCOs must communicate with enlisted personnel.

C. Provide a senior enlisted advisor for the commander- Good officers will value the advice of their NCOs

at Platoon level-Platoon Sergeant

at Company level-First Sergeant

at Battalion level-Sergeant Major

D. Afford avenues for advancement-NCO ranks provide enlistment personnel with opportunity for advancement and reward.

E. Recognize and reward outstanding skills- NCO ranks recognize and reward enlisted personnel for outstanding leadership skills. The role of an NCO is an advisor to an officer. The advisor role is one of honor , a reward for outstanding service as a cadet.

3. Key billets (job assignments) of the Cadet Corps:

A. Squad Leader (held by cadet Sergeant) - Squad leaders must focus on training each subordinate to ensure that they have enough knowledge, experience, and confidence to get a job done. They are responsible for the performance, training, and development of cadets in their squad. The squad leader's job is a tough one.

B. Platoon Guide (held by the senior Sergeant of the platoon) - The platoon guide must be ready to assume the role of platoon sergeant at all times.

C. Platoon Sergeant (held by cadet Staff Sergeant) - The platoon sergeant works to maintain high standards and performance of their platoon while developing junior NCOs and enlisted personnel. They must work with the guide and squad leaders to carry out the policies, directive, and program of the platoon commander

D. Company Gunnery Sergeant (held by cadet Gunnery Sergeant) - The "company gunny" works for the company commander. They train the platoon guides in their company.

E. Company First Sergeant (held by cadet First Sergeant) - The First Sergeant is primarily an advisor to the company commander. They focus on the discipline and moral of the unit.

F. Battalion Sergeant Major (held by a cadet Sergeant Major, the senior NCO in the battalion) - The sergeant major is an advisor for the battalion commander on enlisted matters. They are mainly concerned with the battalion's moral and the development of all NCOs in the battalion.

4. Responsibilities of the Cadet NCO:

A. Know your job. - You should know your job and the job of the next higher grade. Be ready to assume a higher position when necessary. Study, observe, and seek advice to become better prepared.

B. Carry out assignments promptly. - Demonstrate dependability. You shouldn't have to be supervised to complete a task.

C. Use initiative and resourcefulness. - If you see a job that needs to be done, do it before you're told to.

D. Keep your seniors informed. - Your leaders need to know what you are doing. Communication with their subordinates aids them in making important decisions.

E. Know cadet regulations and follow them. - Don't allow yourself or your subordinates become lazy in discipline, the practice of customs, or courtesies.

F. Lead and teach drill and ceremonies. - Study and know your drill. Learn to observe carefully, correct mistakes, and sharpen execution of movements.

G. Maintain high standards of conduct. - You are a cadet of the 173rd. Set a good example of conduct and bearing in and out of uniform, as well as on and off school grounds.

H. Be a good instructor. - Learn and practice the techniques of military instruction. Help other cadets improve themselves in matters of dress. conduct, courtesy, and performance of duty.

I. Deal fairly and impartially with your subordinates. - Use justice. Don't play favorites!

J. Be unselfish. - Put the welfare of your unit, your job, and the 173rd above personnel interests.

173rd NCO ranks offer an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and management experience. Pursue this advantage and use it to excel as a member of the 173rd Guardian Angels.