Should there be an age requirement to become an NCO, or just base it off the maturity level and willingness to accept responsibility?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:05:08 -0400

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 8 at 2015 11:09 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:09:07 -0400

SSG Jon Scheil, Score yourself for the best answer! Maturity level and the desire to seek and accept responsibility - that is all I ever required.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 8 at 2015 11:17 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:17:53 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member just as CSM Charles Hayden said "maturity level and the desire to seek and accept responsibility." I have met some mature 21 year olds that want to the responsibility while also knowing 30 year old still immature or have no desire or shrieks responsibility.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 8 at 2015 11:26 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:26:21 -0400

Sure. 18.

I picked up Cpl in June of 1996, just shy of my 20th birthday. By the time I had a year Time in Grade, I had A LOT of experience. I knew a Sgt who celebrated his promotion with a Coke in his hand instead of a beer. He was a damn fine Sgt.

Age is a requirement for entrance, but for anything else, it's an artificial barrier to entry. We have Time in Service and Time in Grade requirements to help ensure people are well equipped for the next level of responsibility. Add in the board processes, which is essentially a manual review of the service member and age becomes a non-factor.

But, let's take a look at this from another angle. Many of our Commissioned Officers (O1) will be 21 or 22, so why shouldn't a Non-com be able to be the same age or lower? We're able to vote, and own firearms at 18. We're legally allowed to consume alcohol at 21.

So what age would you suggest?

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Mar 8 at 2015 12:12 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 12:12:41 -0400

As much as I would love to see the day that happened, it would ruin the idea that every can, and should be a leader (I personally do not believe this). If you have someones ear to make this happen I'd be willing to support that system of promotion. Maturity can be a large factor, and although it is not always true with age comes wisdom. Ultimately the acceptance of responsibility is key. I have seen many times people who are promoted for the increase in pay, they want none of the actual responsibility.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 8 at 2015 3:51 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:51:24 -0400

Age is not an issue modern day. I know I had my first apartment at 17 and was totally self reliant. I was 19 and took care of my wife and our child. My point is that some people naturally take on responsibility and do great with it while some will refuse responsibility. The choice would have to always be made on an individual basis. Not by age alone.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 8 at 2015 4:48 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:48:59 -0400

SSG John Scheil, I must question your proposed cut-off age of 21.

SSG Jonah E Kelly, namesake of your Kelly Barracks was a 21 year old SSG when he was he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Hurtgen Forest in Jan 1945.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Mar 8 at 2015 5:43 PM

CW4 Brian Haas — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 17:43:01 -0400

Absolutely not. If someone is not mature enough, then he shouldn't be recommended to go tongue board, too easy. That's what his NCOs are there for. I have seen some absolutely outstanding leaders that were young. Anyone that has been in for more than a couple years has seen the same. Why put such an arbitrary requirement?