Charge of the NCO

The Charge of the NCO

I will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which I have been promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army.

I understand that soldiers of lesser rank are required to obey my lawful orders. Accordingly, I accept responsibility for their actions. As a noncommissioned officer, I accept the charge to observe and follow the orders and directions given by supervisors acting according to the laws, articles and rules governing the discipline of the Army, I will correct conditions detrimental to the readiness thereof. In so doing, I will fulfill my greatest obligation as a leader and thereby confirm my status as a noncommissioned officer.

Background

The Charge of the NCO has been a tradition in the U.S. Army since the 1950s. It is read aloud during NCO induction ceremonies — the formal recognition of a Soldier's transition into the NCO Corps. The charge reinforces the weight of the responsibilities that come with becoming a Noncommissioned Officer and serves as a commitment to lead, train, and care for Soldiers.

The NCO induction ceremony itself is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the establishment of the NCO Corps. It is one of the most meaningful events in an NCO's career, symbolizing their acceptance into the professional corps known as 'The Backbone of the Army.'

Key Themes

• Duty and Diligence: Carefully and diligently discharge the duties of your grade and uphold Army traditions and standards.
• Responsibility for Subordinates: Soldiers of lesser rank are required to obey your lawful orders — you accept responsibility for their actions.
• Obedience to Lawful Authority: Observe and follow orders and directions given by supervisors acting according to laws, articles, and rules governing Army discipline.
• Readiness: Correct conditions detrimental to the readiness of the Army.
• Leadership Obligation: Fulfilling these duties confirms your status and greatest obligation as a noncommissioned officer.

Board Tips

Be able to recite the Charge of the NCO and explain what it means to you personally. Key points to emphasize: your duty to discharge responsibilities diligently, your acceptance of responsibility for subordinates' actions, and your obligation to correct conditions detrimental to readiness. Know when the charge is read (NCO induction ceremony) and why the NCO Corps is called 'The Backbone of the Army.' Board members want to see that you understand the weight of being an NCO and can relate the charge to your own leadership experiences.