The Creed
of the
Noncommissioned Officer

I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient.

Competence is my watchword.
SGM Basil L. Plumley, 1-7 CAV, Vietnam War

No one is more professional than I.  I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers.  As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army".  I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself.  I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watchword.  My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers.  I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient.  I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer.  I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role.  All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership.  I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own.  I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed.  I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine.  I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers.  I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike.  I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders.  I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage.  I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!

I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders.

We are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!
1SG Walter L. Epling, 99th FA WWII

“The choice of noncommissioned officers is an object of the greatest importance: The order and discipline of a regiment depends so much upon their behavior, that too much care cannot be taken in preferring none to that trust but those who by their merit and good conduct are entitled to it. … It being on the noncommissioned officers that the discipline and order of a company in a great measure depend, they cannot be too circumspect in their behavior towards the men, by treating them with mildness, and at the same time obliging every one to do his duty. By avoiding too great familiarity with the men, they will not only gain their love and confidence, but be treated with a proper respect, whereas by a contrary conduct they forfeit all regard, and their authority becomes despised.” —Baron von Steuben

I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit or personal safety.