Effective writing is critical to an NCO’s success. It is a critical component of the Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES). Effective writing is an evaluated skill at both the Master Leader Course (MLC) and Basic Leader Course (BLC). This is for good reason; counseling, awards, and evaluations are just a few of the writing responsibilities championed by our Sergeants and the NCO Corps. If you want to get better at writing, write more. Sergeant’s Time is your invitation to write more and contribute.
Over the last half decade, the number of online forums for the profession of arms has multiplied. Now there are more places to write and contribute than ever before. But as we NCOs look around, we can’t help but notice that these forums seem to specifically tailor toward the Officer Corps. We lament that there isn’t a place dedicated to furthering an NCO voice. Well the ball’s in our court – Sergeant’s Time is a page on The Company Leader specifically dedicated to putting your voice out there and furthering the development of our NCO Corps.
It is important that we NCOs contribute to the professional discourse. Open or click on any military magazine or blog and the authors are overwhelmingly officers. Yet officers are only twenty percent of the force. As NCOs, we have to share our lessons and ideas with the force. Initially, I was hesitant to write, but with some gentle encouragement it has become a large part of my self-development.
After weeks of trepidation, I sent my first piece to The Military Leader. I was the first NCO to publish on his site. I received positive feedback and met other enlisted authors. When our schedules allowed, I co-authored pieces with MSG Alex Licea, including, 8 Reasons Why NCOs Should Write, as well as winning an NCO Writing Excellence Award. I must also acknowledge the motivation, guidance, and confidence Adam Linehan provided as he guided me through getting some work published on Task & Purpose.
As I continue to write, I have tried to enlist (pardon the pun) other NCOs to contribute to the professional discourse. Unfortunately, I’ve not been successful. Several platforms exist: this site, The Military Leader, From the Green Notebook, and even the NCO Journal. I understand the NCO Journal can seem daunting, but that should not discourage submissions. Early in December a corporal asked why an NCO only site does not exist. Her question kicked off a lively discussion and shortly after Angry Staff Officer created The NCO Club. Simultaneously, The Company Leader reached out and asked that I help spear-head this series, Sergeant’s Time. Most NCOs serve at the company level, so this is a natural fit.
I challenge all NCOs out there to put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard. You all have something to write about – an idea for improvement, a lesson learned, or a problem you overcame. Where you submit it is up to you. The important thing is to submit. And you have more support and help than you imagine.
Start the discussion! Submit today.
Harlan Kefalas is an enlisted paratrooper in the U.S. Army and is passionate about improving the NCO Corps. He deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan and also served as a drill sergeant. He is an active member of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum. Reach out to Harlan to Twitter @HarlanKefalas or via email hkefalas@gmail.com.
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