Army sets goals for ‘Year of the NCO’

[unhappycamper]

‘The keepers of our standards’
Initiative will prompt major policy changes


Army sets goals for ‘Year of the NCO’
By Jim Tice - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jan 11, 2009 9:07:26 EST

Senior Army leaders issued an operations order Jan. 7 officially implementing the Year of the NCO, a multifaceted initiative for enhancing and acknowledging NCO contributions to the Army.

In addition to involving the redesign of several institutions and programs, the Year of the NCO will prompt some major policy changes, such as authorizing the wear of NCO rank insignia on the beret and the expansion of civilian education opportunities.

At a joint press conference Jan. 5 at Fort Bliss, Texas, Army Secretary Pete Geren, Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston said they wanted to inform the country, Congress and young people about NCOs, and the career opportunities available to those who join the Army.

In a letter announcing the Year of the NCO, the leaders said, “NCOs are the keepers of our standards, from the recruiting station to basic training, to combat zones, from civil affairs to medicine, to logistics, natural disaster assistance, to graveside attendance at Arlington — whether active, Guard or Reserve, our NCOs take the lead.”

The order (OPORD 08-12-161200) and annexes together total nearly 50 pages.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/army_nco_year_011109w/%2e