What does a non-commissioned officer do?
A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order during military operations and training. Non-commissioned officers' duties include leading soldiers' training for military operations, responding to the soldiers' concerns that involve their physical and mental well-being, and utilizing military equipment and tools properly while following strict regulatory procedures. An NCO is in charge of leading unit activities, performing corrective actions as needed, and coordinating closely with the troop members. A non-commissioned officer must display excellent leadership and critical-thinking skills to guide the military troop efficiently.
Non-commissioned officer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real non-commissioned officer resumes:
- Ensure assigned equipment are maintained and serviceable for accomplish all combat evacuation during OIF.
- Provide leadership and knowledge of federal shipping and logistics regulations by managing adherence to all policies and procedures from higher headquarters.
- Provide hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response capability for unknown or suspect CBRN incidents.
- Ensure compliance with local state and federal EPA guidelines for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and waste disposal.
- Access control and CCTV monitoring.
- Monitor CCTV system for any suspicious activities backing up the mobile unit.
- Work closely with the BDE CSM on strength management and senior NCO assignments.
- Award a medal for meritorious service and numerous accolades from the entire supervisory chain.
- Devise a tank inspection program identify 210 discrepancies and initiate repairs for compliance with EPA directives.
- Check buildings in assign area for security and check doors, windows, lights, and equipment.
- Assist the recruiting NCO in recruiting members to military and retention of soldiers thinking of leaving the military.
- Top quality programs consist of manpower management, publications, tool control, training, and quality assurance qualification.
- Brief key personnel involve in the management of CSM and formally addressed issues and concerns generate by field CSM.
- Generate, prepare and maintain files and records pertinent to basic and initial military training on each NCO undergoing training.
- Award medal for exceptional leadership ability.
Non-commissioned officer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Non-Commissioned Officers are proficient in Combat, Logistical Support, and NCO. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Good judgment, and Observation skills.
We break down the percentage of Non-Commissioned Officers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Combat, 14%
Supported the commander during combat operations by eliminating burdens or liabilities caused by a local civilian population with my individual skills.
- Logistical Support, 12%
Participated in the personnel and equipment planning for Presidential and Dignitary movements and provided logistical support for foreign and domestic travel.
- NCO, 12%
Advise the Company Operations Readiness NCO on military education requirements and process applications for Army Resident Service schools.
- Professional Development, 5%
Recognized by management for excellence in accountability of facility, equipment, soldier safety, maintenance, and professional development.
- Platoon, 4%
Documented and ensured Platoon Leaders and Sergeants met the required military standards, managed material inventory and mail facility.
- Training Programs, 3%
Managed battalion daily operations and training programs including tasking, forecasting, and allocating resources and coordinating for training facilities.
"combat," "logistical support," and "nco" are among the most common skills that non-commissioned officers use at work. You can find even more non-commissioned officer responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a non-commissioned officer to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." Non-commissioned officers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "revised and utilized signal special operating instructions/ procedures implemented communication security, operational security and physical security policies and procedures. "
Observation skills. This is an important skill for non-commissioned officers to perform their duties. For an example of how non-commissioned officer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a non-commissioned officer: "provided forward observation reconnaissance as an infantry scout for co, bn and division level. ".
The three companies that hire the most non-commissioned officers are:
- Liberty Mutual Insurance1 non-commissioned officers jobs
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Compare different non-commissioned officers
Non-commissioned officer vs. Security
A Security's main responsibility is to keep people or an establishment safe. This responsibility is carried out by constantly patrolling a designated area and monitoring the activity within the premises. Most of the tasks involved are inspecting buildings and equipment, monitoring entry and exit points, reporting irregularities, responding to customers in distress, and other surveillance activities. The security is basically an establishment's first line of defense, this is why one must have good communication skills, keen observation and judgment, and as well as presence of mind.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a non-commissioned officer are more likely to require skills like "combat," "logistical support," "nco," and "professional development." On the other hand, a job as a security requires skills like "patrol," "ladders," "property damage," and "good judgment." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Securities earn the highest salaries when working in the start-up industry, with an average yearly salary of $31,007. On the other hand, non-commissioned officers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $103,557.The education levels that securities earn slightly differ from non-commissioned officers. In particular, securities are 4.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a non-commissioned officer. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Non-commissioned officer vs. Security specialist
A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's database, ensuring that it's free from cyber threats and unusual activities. Security specialists' duties include upgrading hardware and software applications, configuring networks to improve optimization, addressing any unauthorized access on the database, troubleshooting system discrepancies, conducting security audits on the system, and improving automated processes. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real non-commissioned officer resumes. While non-commissioned officer responsibilities can utilize skills like "combat," "logistical support," "nco," and "professional development," security specialists use skills like "ladders," "security incidents," "patrol," and "customer service."
In general, security specialists achieve similar levels of education than non-commissioned officers. They're 0.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Non-commissioned officer vs. Security guard
Security guards are responsible for maintaining and ensuring the peace and safety of the building they are assigned to. They ensure that everyone who enters the building has official business to be done in the building. They are also in charge of patrolling and monitoring activities within the area. Security guards are also tasked to immobilize anyone who seems to pose a threat to the peace and safety of the building. They are also responsible for preventing any untoward incidences or crimes that may happen in the area. Security guards must be observant and alert to be able to succeed in their roles.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from non-commissioned officer resumes include skills like "combat," "logistical support," "nco," and "professional development," whereas a security guard is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "patrol," "ladders," and "security services. "
Security guards make a very good living in the utilities industry with an average annual salary of $30,916. On the other hand, non-commissioned officers are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $103,557.When it comes to education, security guards tend to earn similar degree levels compared to non-commissioned officers. In fact, they're 4.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Non-commissioned officer vs. Sergeant
A Sergeant is responsible for supervising a group of five or more Soldiers. Sergeants must oversee their daily activities, ensuring they are in proper disposition and are living under the conditions that adhere to the laws and regulations and training them according to the standards of the military. Furthermore, it is a Sergeant's responsibility to serve the public and report to the higher-ups, instill discipline to oneself, and serve as a role model to lower-ranked soldiers.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between non-commissioned officers and sergeants, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a non-commissioned officer might have more use for skills like "law enforcement," "windows," "training events," and "direct support." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of sergeants require skills like "safety procedures," "patrol," "direct supervision," and "emergency situations. "
Sergeants enjoy the best pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $46,533. For comparison, non-commissioned officers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of sergeants showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to non-commissioned officers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.Types of non-commissioned officer
Updated January 8, 2025
