Loud and colorful video imagery covered the screen in the Production Control office of our Kiowa Squadron. It was 2012 and we were conducting an after-action review of a downed aircraft recovery training event. In the middle of our exercise, in a simulated crashed aircraft, we had no way of talking to our TOC. Our QRF forces weren’t coming in over the radio. And the pilots providing overhead cover…nothing from them either. We couldn’t talk. Our recovery mission was a complete failure. In this moment – standing in our AAR – I realized it was because no one conducted pre-missions checks and services on our radios. As our Production Control Officer would say, “without comms, you are dead. End of story.”
I learned an important lesson that humid afternoon near Fort Campbell. Communication is paramount in everything we do as an Army. This became even more prevalent when I became an NCO. We receive information every day to pass on to our soldiers and face problems that we need to pass-up the chain of command. We coordinate with other shops, units, and other military services. Communication is at the center of that coordination. Without the ability to translate information to the next party, how can you expect to accomplish the mission?
Communicating with the Written Word
Writing is one form of communication. We write counseling statements, awards, memorandums, and emails. These are direct reflections of our professionalism, attention to detail, and level of intellect. Much like our DA Photos, what we write is a representation of us and our units. You wouldn’t post your DA Photo with wrinkled pants and ribbons in the wrong order, would you? Your writing is viewed more often than your photo.
Our ability to communicate in writing directly influences how effectively we can accomplish a mission. From publishing an operations order to sending an email, writing is at the core of our profession. NCOs need to write to both improve our skills and better communicate our vision for the future of the NCO Corps and the Army.
We are in an era of change in the military. The foundation of that change is the voices of NCOs. They share their knowledge and experience to contribute in the decision-making process. NCOs must clearly communicate intent, vision, and expectations. Communication in writing is the vehicle by which we can deliver our voices to the ears of those in a position to change policy.
I encourage every NCO to write, personally or professionally. If you lack writing skills, enroll in an English class to bolster those skills. We as NCOs need to use our writing skills to communicate our expertise as we move forward to a new era of unfamiliar territory. At the end of the day, the basic skills and principles remain the same. “Without comms, you are dead, end of story.”
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