We had a meeting, the secret kind.

Actually it’s about the problems that we’re having as a platoon. I didn’t realize that the whole platoon was having problems. I thought it was just my team. I guess not. The problem is relationship problems. I guess it’s the problem with the whole world, “Can’t we all just get along?” I guess it’s more that that. It’s leadership and communications problem as well.

It was time to let it all out. I didn’t say much. I didn’t want to undermine the integrity of my team in front of the others. For me it’s getting to the point where I’m going to have to sit with my team leader and have a little chat. It might be to my benefit, it might not.

The meeting lasted for one hour and it was a chance for some do discuss their issues. Some let it all out. For me, one thing came to mind. We brought issues, problems to the table. The thing was, nothing said was specific. We couldn’t address the problem because the issues were generalized. Something kept popping to the top of my mind. It’s a piece of paper that was handed out to all of us before the beginning of that meeting. On that piece of paper was a creed.

It came to me and I wanted to mention it. “It’s all right here,” I thought, the answer to all our problems. It was on this piece of paper that was handed out and no one mentioned it. It was in that creed. If we follow it then maybe we’ll find our solution. It was the NCO Creed.

The NCO Creed

No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as “The Backbone of The Army.” I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit or personal safety.

Competence is my watch-word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!