Thanks!

4. For every business, every game, every group activity and in every walk of life there is a leader, a "boss", an executive, or some directing agency. In the Army these group leaders are the officers and the noncommissioned officers.

5. The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the Army. He appoints officers, with the consent of the Senate, to assist him in the details of running the Army. He gives them certain authority and makes them responsible for certain groups or organizations in accordance with their grade and length of service.

6. You have a commander in charge of your company, battery, or troop, who is responsible for everything your company does or fails to do. He must see that you are properly trained, and that you are fed, clothed, and sheltered. He must look after your health, your comfort, and your amusements. He could not possibly attend to all these details alone. Suppose that your company commander had to go to every individual soldier, give him special instructions, explain what to do and what not to do, draw rations, issue equipment, keep all your records, and do all the many things which you require. You can see that many things would be neglected and that you would suffer for lack of proper training, food, equipment, and amusements. To assist him in all the details of running the company he asks the regimental commander to appoint noncommissioned officers who are given certain authority and are made responsible for certain things. You are thus a part of a great organization or business in which the officers and the noncommissioned officers are the executives, the "bosses", and the foremen.

7. The first thing to appreciate is that you are subject to the orders of officers and noncommissioned officers placed over you. The officers and noncommissioned officers are entitled to be, and they must be obeyed and respected by all soldiers under them. Make it a rule that you will obey t hem promptly, cheerfully, and carefully. A military order is usually sharp, positive, and brief. If you do not understand what is wanted, it is your duty to ask questions, but do not quibble over small details as to your "rights." The man who is always thinking of his "rights", rather than his duty, makes a poor soldier.

8. If you believe that you have been given an unlawful order you should obey first and make a report to your commanding officer afterwards. Disobedience or failure to obey a lawful order, which you believe to be unlawful, may lead to sever consequences.

9. The Articles of War, the soldier's law, authorize your commanding officer to impose certain punishments for minor offenses. That is, he can withhold certain privileges, restrict you to the area of barracks or camp for a week, or require you to perform extra duty or hard labor for as much as a week. However, he does not delegate this authority to his noncommissioned officers. A noncommissioned officer is not authorized to administer any form of punishment to a member of his command. A noncommissioned officer may require you to sweep the barracks floor, wash the squad-room windows, and the like but he does this by regular detail from all the members of your company, not as a punishment.

10. It is the duty of a noncommissioned officer at all times and under all circumstances, whether on duty or off duty, to check promptly all disputes, quarrels, or disorderly conduct which might bring discredit upon the service. He is required to enforce the orders and regulations governing the conduct of soldiers. In the absence of an officer, a noncommissioned officer may place a soldier under arrest until he can be seen by his company commander.

11. It can be seen that officers and noncommissioned officers must be specially selected. They hold positions of responsibility and honor, but they belong to the same military organization that you do. The relationship between all military men is one of comradeship, friendliness, and helpfulness. In no walk of life does "comradeship" mean so much as in the military service and nowhere are obedience and respect for authority so important as in the Army. As as soldier you must accept constituted authority, which is nothing more than team play. In your relationship with officers and noncommissioned officers you are expected to be loyal and truthful. Always be frank but courteous. By being courteous and respectful to constituted authority you are exhibiting qualities of a good soldier.

Back to Index