Guardians of the Republic

This is the definitive work on one of the least studied aspects of military history-the noncommissioned officer. Since colonial America, NCOs have played pivotal roles in the administration, training, morale, and fighting effectiveness of the Army. The author traces the evolution of NCO duties; their rank and insignia; relationship to officers; their training (or nontraining); and the professional development scheme initiated after the Vietnam experience which produced the finest noncommissioned officer corps in the world.