US News and World Report has a feature online titled America's Best Leaders 2009. Included on the list along side the expected cast of business men and women, philanthropists and politicians are honorees from the military: General Ray Odierno and "Senior Noncommissioned Officers."

Being a retired senior noncommissioned officer (NCO) I am not at all surprised that our current crop of senior NCOs are receiving this recognition. As the article notes,

Senior noncommissioned officers are taking on increasing levels of responsibility, particularly as American forces continue to engage in wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan and small units must patrol large swaths of terrain.

NCOs at all levels have traditionally been the crucial keys to the success of our military. And as our commitments in this long war against those who support and engage in terrorism continues I have no doubt that the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who wear the stripes of an NCO will continue to support their officers, train their subordinates and do what has to be done to achieve success. This tradition of leadership is nicely summed up in the Army's 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 watchword. 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!

(Thanks to Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette for calling this to my attention)