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MWSA Review
NCO School by Daniel K. Elder contains a wealth of information that is interesting and important for students of military history as well as current and future military policy makers, especially those involved in training and career development for noncommissioned officers. Thorough and detailed research builds a picture of the context, both inside and outside the U.S. Army, which led to creation of NCO schools during the Vietnam War.
The second year of the Vietnam War saw a critical shortage of NCOs, the sergeants who led squads and platoons in combat. This book describes how the U.S. Army met this need by creating, for the first time in its history (other than a few unit-specific iterations) a formal course of instruction to develop noncommissioned officers from among promising enlisted personnel. The author describes how novel this was and how controversial among some in the rank and file. But the concept worked and provides a template for the military should a similar need arise again.
NCO School is the only definitive history of a program that served the Army and the nation well in a time of need. As such, it is an important resource for military trainers, planners, and senior leaders now and into an uncertain future.
Review by Jamie Thompson
Author's Synopsis
This is the undertold story of the U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Candidate Course (NCOCC), a transformative yet overlooked chapter in military history. NCO School: How the Vietnam-era NCO Candidate Course Shaped the Modern Army unveils the rigorous training and complex legacy of a program designed to rapidly produce combat-ready leaders during the Vietnam War. Often dismissed as "Shake 'n Bake" NCOs, these men faced harsh scrutiny and intense pressure despite their vital role in military operations. This meticulously researched book challenges the myths and stereotypes surrounding NCOs and their training, highlighting the program's impact on the NCO Corps' evolution and its enduring lessons for military leadership. Drawing from firsthand accounts, historical records, and personal reflections, author Daniel K. Elder offers a comprehensive narrative that not only honors those who served but also provides critical insights for today's military scholars and practitioners. A must-read for anyone interested in military studies, leadership development, and the hidden stories of those who led from the frontlines.
Format(s) for review: Paper Only
Review genre: Nonfiction—History
Pages/Word count: 278 / 70,381