New NCO primer bridges Army doctrine and real-world practice

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - Army University Press has published "The Noncommissioned Officer: A Primer," a new guide designed to help noncommissioned officers apply Army doctrine to the daily realities of leading and caring for Soldiers.

Released Sept. 18, 2026, the primer blends doctrine, history, behavioral psychology and personal anecdotes. The book is intended as a practical reference for NCOs at all levels and as a supplement to "The Soldier's Guide" and "Army Doctrine Publication 6-22: Army Leadership."

Army University Press historian Kate Dahlstrand conceived the project and recruited retired Sgt. Maj. Robert A. Nelson, a former leader she had served with, to help write it. Dahlstrand said Nelson immediately came to mind anytime she was asked to recall a strong NCO from her time in uniform.

"Staff Sgt. Nelson was always my go-to answer for what right looked like," Dahlstrand said. "I remembered his kindness and empathy, even deeply buried under his gruff and grumpy exterior."

Retired Sgt. Maj. Richard J. Russell II and historian Robert F. Williams also joined the effort. Nelson said he recruited Russell to add a distinct operational perspective to the book.

"I asked retired Sgt. Maj. Russell to co-author for several reasons," Nelson said. "He served as an Airborne Ranger and an Army recruiter … and I knew he would complement my writing."

Together, the authors developed a collection of essays that explains doctrinal concepts through personal experience. Dahlstrand said the power of the NCO Support Channel was evident throughout the writing process, with contributions from nine active or retired NCOs - all the way up to Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer.

The 13th Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston, also contributed perspective from his experience as a Cold War era NCO in the 1970s and 1980s.

The authors wrote the primer in an accessible, narrative style so readers can approach it as a complete work or read it by chapter. It also includes recommended readings and questions for group discussion.

By including stories, real-world experience and mistakes, the book shows how NCOs lead, supervise and care for Soldiers every day.

"It's very easy to look at our leaders and think that they have had perfect, mistake-free careers, but nothing could be further from the truth," Nelson said. "This is a good lesson for young NCOs, because when we acknowledge our mistakes and seek to understand why we make them, that is when we grow."

The primer is intended as a reference for NCOs at every level, and the authors invite readers to review it and share perspectives or suggested additions for a possible second volume.

The Noncommissioned Officer: A Primer is available for download on the Army University Press website.

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