In response to “Where are the quality NCOs?” (letter, Sept. 23), the writer discusses the weakening of the backbone of the U.S. Army, which is the noncommissioned officer corps, and states: “Senior NCOs and officers love this type of NCO, as opposed to a quality leader, because they can promote their Army ideology.”

This is far from the truth, and for an NCO in for 20 years to make this comment is ridiculous. Senior NCOs and officers are always looking for strong, charismatic NCOs who can successfully complete a mission, whatever it may be, with the least amount of guidance and managing possible.

If there are NCOs who are weak in a specific unit, it is because their fellow NCOs or their supervisors are not properly teaching them what it is to be a great leader. We are very quick to blame officers and senior NCOs, but neglect to do basic things such as counselings, properly rating an NCO instead of giving him a perfect evaluation report, and spending time with him to ensure that he matures into that leader who will give an unbiased opinion about a plan or situation.

This great organization that is the Army is turning into a culture where everyone feels entitled to the next rank before he earns it, with rank being looked at as an object of power instead of responsibility.

I have always wanted honest feedback before any decision was made and am thankful that I am surrounded by strong NCOs. This allows me to learn from the very best and most experienced, so that when I have the opportunity to lead soldiers I will do so with the greatest mentoring possible, from strong NCOs.

First Lt. John BrostCamp Taji, Iraq

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