Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-03-20
Nom Commissioned Officers
Duties and Responsibilities

the Importance of their position and
take it seriously?
The position of a non commissioned
officer is one of vast Importance, en-
bracing many responsibilities and du-
ties. II is one that should be filled
with pride because he has gained for
himself the confidence and trust of his
superlors, who demand the necessary
abilities and requirements.
In plain words he is the backbone
OF. the army, being the intermediary
through which his superiors work It
is he who has to see to the small de-
tails.
The requirements Of a non COM are
many and of widely distributed nature.
First he should be intelligent in or
der to teach men, and the methods he
has been taught: making them clear,
plain and easily understood; also talk
ing into consideration that not all men
are capable of grasping ideas as
quickly as he can. He should always
be sure that he understands thoroughly
what he is teaching; keeping well in
formed on latest and most modern tao
tics. He mus be obedient, surrender
ing himself absolutely to the wishes
of his superiors; never doing anything
in a careless and respondent manner.
Be we'll disciplined because only
when he shows discipline can be de-
mand that valuable asset from his
men.
The spirit of determination alone can
bring results where there seem to be
insurmountable obstacles.
Cultivate a personality on account
of it's necessity
Personality alone determines leader
ship, and through it the confidence and
respect fthemen is gained. A nom
com. must be q leader at all times.
Be capable of using good judgment
on all occasions; not be a continual
fault-finder; it produces i'll feeling and
contempt.
word of praise when deserved
brings up better results than incessant
fault finding.
Recognize good effort even if it it
not perfect.
He should be an example for his
men at all times, keeping his charac-
ter above reproach, neat in person and
habits: punctual and c.leery, even I'M
der adverse circumstances.
Keep physically fit, because it
creates confidence in self; instilling
the true spirit whereby heart and soul
can be thrown into the work.
He should be able to take the initia-
tive at any time necessity requires,
remaining calm under most trying con-
ditions.
The duties and responsibilities of the
non com. are one continuous and in
cessant routine, beginning at first call
in the morning and ending at taps
in the night.
In quarters, he is responsible for the
behavior of the men and policing of
quarters, observing rules and SANTA
ton.
1t is his lot to look after the welfare
and comfort Of the men.
Not only is it his duty to see that
the men are properly equipped but to
see that they are provided as near as
possible with correct fits. Proof that
interest in the men and their welfare
is assumed, produces an impression
hard to erase.
On the drill field the non com. is re-
sponsible for the drilling of men as
signed to him 1t is his duty to cor
rect all mistakes. Special considera-
ton should be given the rectifying of
mistakes, relating what and where the
error was, then explaining in clear and
concise manner the correct way of
doing it. He should impress upon the
men that what they are doing is not
waste of time but to make them pro-
ficient in their line OF korl1 and to
produce quick thinking ana immaculate
action.
He is responsible for discipline; only
when discipline is thorough, can they
attain that discipline Of efficiency, re-
cognziable in so-called seasoned
troops"
There are numerous minor duties and
responsibilities connected with the
non com. relative to his special posi-
ton which would require going into
details. All in all the path of the nom
com. is nota smoth one.
The following are some if the re-
sponsibilities of the N. c. IS of the
Allied armies:
He is responsible for all men assign
ed to him.
He re-apportions the various duties
TO be performed among the men by
name Responsible for roll calls.
Getting together and departure of.
supply details.
Assignment Of the men to shelters.
Loying out equipment and bedding.
Policing of the trench and shelters.
RnsDoueihIa for the npriOdiCa1 re