Article XVI

Detached Soldiers: Descriptive Lists

103. When an enlisted man is detached from his company, a descriptive list will be prepared and forwarded to his new commanding officer. On the descriptive list will be shown the pay due the soldier, the condition of his clothing allowance, and all information necessary to the settlement of his accounts with the Government. When it can be avoided, the descriptive list will not be intrusted to the soldier, but to an officer or noncommissioned officer under whose charge he may be, or it may be forwarded by mail. The date of the last vaccination of the soldier and its result will be noted on the descriptive list. Articles of ordnance equipment in possession of a detached soldier will be transferred as prescribed in paragraph 1564. . . .

Article XXIX

Regiments and Battalions

244. The adjutant, quartermaster, and commissary are, under the regimental commander, responsible for the discipline and efficiency of the noncommissioned staff and band.

245. The quartermaster will perform the duties of quartermaster of the regiment when in the field, and may be required to perform the duties of quartermaster of the post where he is stationed. The commissary will perform the duties of commissary of the regiment when in the field, and may be required to perform the duties of commissary of the post where he is stationed.

246. A regimental staff officer may be assigned to duty with a company or to any staff duty which his regimental commander may impose. A battalion staff officer is subject to any duty which the commanding officer may impose.

247. The regimental noncommissioned staff officers consist of the sergeant-major, the quartermastersergeant, commissary-sergeant, and two coloursergeants, and are appointed by the regimental commander. The battalion noncommissioned staff officers are the battalion sergeants-major, and in engineer troops battalion quartermaster-sergeants. They are appointed by the regimental commander upon the recommendation of the battalion commander. When a battalion is detached and serving at such a distance from regimental headquarters that more than fifteen days are required for exchange of correspondence by mail, the battalion noncommissioned staff officers are appointed by the battalion commander, who will immediately notify the regimental

commander. Each noncommissioned staff officer will be furnished with a warrant signed by the officer making the appointment and countersigned by the adjutant. The appointment takes effect on the day upon which it is made, and the warrant may be continued in force upon discharge and reenlistment, if reenlistment be made on the day following discharge; each reenlistment and continuance will be noted on the warrant by the adjutant. Any noncommissioned staff officer may be reduced to the ranks by the sentence of a court-martial, or by order of the commander having authority to appoint such noncommissioned officer. Noncommissioned staff officers will preferably be selected from the noncommissioned officers of the regiment most distinguished for efficiency, gallantry, and soldierly bearing.

248. The public property pertaining to the headquarters of the regiment will be marked "H.Q.," with arm and number of regiment; the equipments in possession of the noncommissioned staff and band will be marked "N.C.S." and "Band," respectively, and with the arm and number of the regiment and the number of the man to whom the articles are issued.

249. The following-named books and papers will be kept in each regiment: An order book, a letters-received book, with index, a letters-sent book, with index, a regimental fund book, and a descriptive book, furnished by The Military Secretary of the Army; all orders, circulars, and instructions from higher authority, copies of the monthly returns, muster rolls of the field, staff, and band, other regimental returns and reports, and all correspondence concerning the regiment or affecting its personnel.

Of the books and papers herein referred to, the books of letters received and letters sent, the muster rolls, the regimental monthly returns and all other returns of the personnel of the regiment, and the general orders and circulars of the War Department will be permanently preserved. Division and department orders, except extracts of special orders, will, when the regiment is relieved from duty in the division and department, be disposed of under instructions of the division and department commanders. The other books and papers will be kept for five years, reckoned from the close of the period of their use in case of books, and from their dates in case of papers, when they will be destroyed under direction of the regimental commander.

250. All orders and circulars from the War Department, or from the headquarters of an army, corps, division, brigade, or territorial division or department in which the regiment may be serving, will be filed in book form, and general orders and circulars indexed as soon as received.

Bands

251. The noncommissioned officers of regimental bands will be appointed by the regimental commanders, upon the recommendation of regimental adjutants, under the same conditions prescribed in paragraph 247 for the noncommissioned staff of the regiment. The noncommissioned officers of the engineer band will be appointed by the commanding officer of the battalion with which the band is serving; the noncommissioned officers of the artillery bands will be appointed by the artillery district commander, or, if not serving in an artillery district, by the senior artillery officer of the post at which they are stationed. . . .

Article XXX

Troops, Batteries, and Companies

261. Noncommissioned officers will be carefully selected and instructed, and always supported by company commanders in the proper performance of their duties. They will not be detailed for any duty nor permitted to engage in any occupation inconsistent with their rank and position. Officers will be cautious in reproving them in the presence or hearing of private soldiers.

262. Company noncommissioned officers are appointed by regimental commanders, or by battalion commanders under the conditions stated in paragraph 247, on the recommendation of their company commanders; but in no case will any company organization have an excess of noncommissioned officers above that allowed by law. The noncommissioned officers of artillery companies will, upon the recommendation of the company commanders, be appointed by artillery district commanders, or if not serving in an artillery. district, by the senior artillery officer of the command.

263. To test the capacity of privates for the duties of noncommissioned officers company commanders may appoint lance corporals, who will be obeyed and respected as corporals, but no company shall have more than one lance corporal at a time, unless there are noncommissioned officers absent by authority, during which absences there may be one for each absentee.

264. The captain will select the first sergeant, quartermaster-sergeant, and stable sergeant from the sergeants of his company, and may return them to the grade of sergeant without reference to higher authority.

265. Each noncommissioned officer will be furnished with a certificate or warrant of his rank, signed by the officer making the appointment, and countersigned by the adjutant; but a separate warrant as first sergeant, quartermaster-sergeant, or stable-sergeant will not be

given. A warrant issued to a noncommissioned officer is his personal property. Warrants need not be renewed in cases of reenlistment in the same company, if reenlistment is made the day following the day of discharge, but may remain in force until vacated by promotion or reduction, each reenlistment and continuance to be noted on the warrant by the company commander.

266. Appointments of company noncommissioned officers will take effect on the day of appointment by the authorized commander, and of first sergeants, quartermaster-sergeants, stable-sergeants, cooks, artificers, farriers and blacksmiths, mechanics, saddlers, wagoners, musicians, trumpeters, and first-class privates on the day of appointment by the company commander; but in case of vacancy in a company absent from regimental headquarters, a company commander may make a temporary appointment of a noncommissioned officer, which, if approved by the regimental commander, will carry rank and pay from the date of such appointment.

267. A noncommissioned officer may be reduced to the ranks by sentence of a court-martial, or on the recommendation of the company commander, by the order of the commander having authority to appoint such noncommissioned officer, but a noncommissioned officer will not be reduced because of absence on account of sickness or injury contracted in the line of duty. If reduced to the ranks by sentence of court-martial at a post not the headquarters of his regiment, the company commander will forward a transcript of the order to the regimental commander. The transfer of a noncommissioned officer from one organization to another carries with it reduction to the ranks unless otherwise specified in the order by authority competent to issue a new

warrant.

268. When a noncommissioned officer, while in arrest or confinement, is reduced by sentence of a court-martial, the date of the order publishing the sentence is the date of reduction. In all other cases reduction takes effect on the date of receipt of the order at the soldier's station.

The desertion of a noncommissioned officer vacates his position from the date of his unauthorized absence. . .

Extract from Army Regulation 245-5, War Department, Washington, 2 June 1942.

Companies-General Provisions

b. Noncommissioned officers.-Noncommissioned officers will be carefully instructed in their duties as such.

c. Privates with view to appointment as noncommissioned officers.-To test the capacity of privates for the duties of noncommissioned officers, company commanders may appoint acting noncommissioned officers, who will be instructed, obeyed, and respected as such; but no company will have more than one acting noncommissioned officer at any time in each grade below the third grade unless there are noncommissioned officers below the third grade absent by authority, during which absences there may be one for each absentee. 4. Squad leaders.-Squad leaders will be held responsible

a. For the personal cleanliness and appearance of their men.

b. That those who are to go on duty put their arms, equipment, and clothing in the best possible condition. previous to the time of entering upon duty.

c. That those coming off duty place their arms and equipments in the designated places.

d. That the bedding, bunks, and all other property issued to or belonging to the men of their squads are kept in a clean and orderly condition.

e. That all Government property issued the members of their squads is properly recorded and charged.

f. That all losses or damages to Government property issued the men of their squads are promptly reported.

g. That the clothing and other effects of deserters, men absent without leave, and men sick in hospital are promptly secured and turned over to the proper agency.

h. That the names of those desiring medical treatment are reported for entry on daily sick book.

i. That those desiring to make deposits present their deposit books at the proper time.

j. That clothing and equipment which is no longer serviceable be turned in for replacement.

5. Inspections.-a. Company commanders will hold inspections of the personnel, equipment, and buildings, to include ground contiguous thereto, pertaining to their commands as directed by the commanding officer and at such other times as deemed necessary.

b. No one will be excused from these inspections except the guard, the sick in hospital, and those ordered. excused by the commanding officer.

6. Company mess.-a. Where companies are not joined in a general mess, the company commander, assisted by the other officers of the company, will supervise the cooking and messing of his men.

b. Where all the companies are joined in a general mess, he will confine his supervision of the mess of his company to observation and to notifying the officer in charge in writing of anything requiring remedy. Should this officer fail to apply proper remedy, report will then be made to the appropriate commander.

c. Kitchens will be placed under the immediate

charge of noncommissioned officers, who will be held responsible for their condition and for the proper use of rations.

d. Additional pay for cooks and mess attendants.— See AR 210-50.

8. Miscellaneous.-a. When possible the company commander will see that every grave of the men of his company who die or are killed on the battlefield is carefully marked so that future identification can be easily made.

b. Noncommissioned officers will be supported by company commanders in the performance of their duties. They will not be detailed for any duty nor permitted to engage in any occupation inconsistent with their work and position. Officers will be cautious in reproving them in the presence or hearing of privates. . . .

AR 245-5, 2 June 1942 is changed as follows:
3. Instruction of personnel.

b. Noncommissioned officers.

(1) Noncommissioned officers will be carefully instructed in their duties as such.

(2) In order that the desired results may be attained, special attention will be given to the following points: (a) The careful initial selection of noncommissioned officer material.

(b) The operation of appropriate noncommissioned officer schools.

(c) The prompt removal of noncommissioned officers who fail to attain or maintain acceptable standards.

(d) The enhancement of the advantages and prestige of the noncommissioned officer grades.

(e) The public recognition through new releases, orders, and other appropriate means of the accomplishments and importance of the noncommissioned officers.

(f) The delegation to the noncommissioned officers of all authority that is rightfully theirs and the creation of increased opportunity for the noncommissioned officers to exercise command and initiative.

(g) The consultation with appropriate noncommissioned officers in planning the implementation of directives.

(h) The avoidance of embarrassment of noncommissioned officers in the presence of their subordinates.

(i) The thorough indoctrination of every noncommissioned officer with the importance and responsibility of his grade and position.

By Order of the Secretary of War:

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Chief of Staff

Extract from Army Regulation 600-20, HQ, Department of the Army, Washington, 31 January 1967.

Personnel-General

Army Command Policy and Procedure

Section IV. Enlisted Aspects of Command.

24. General policies. a. Except as specifically indicated, all of the policies of this regulation apply equally to all classes of military personnel as listed in paragraph 7. This section is devoted to emphasizing policies of command that are primarily or exclusively related to the enlisted grades. At all echelons of command, commanders and their staffs are charged specifically with the responsibility of insuring equitable delegation of authority and responsibility, as guided by this regulation, to noncommissioned officers by their superiors, whether officer, warrant officer, or other noncommissioned officers.

b. This regulation is applicable to enlisted personnel of all components of the Army. Personnel retired and members of USAR Control Groups prior to 1 July 1955 are exempted from this regulation while in that status.

25. Noncommissioned officers. The guidance in this paragraph is amplified in AR 611-201 which describes in detail the command function of all noncommissioned officer MOS.

a. Sergeant major of the Army. This is the senior sergeant major grade of rank as indicated in paragraph 7. It is also the position title that designates the senior enlisted position of the Army. The sergeant major occupying this position serves as the senior enlisted advisor and consultant to the Chief of Staff of the Army on problems affecting enlisted personnel and their solutions; on professional education, growth and advancement of noncommissioned officers; and on morale, training, pay, promotions and other matters concerning enlisted personnel. He is also available to present the enlisted viewpoint on Department of the Army boards. and committees. Other functions of this position include meeting with military and civilian organizations to discuss enlisted personnel affairs, receiving enlisted personnel who visit Headquarters, Department of the

Army, and representing all Army enlisted personnel at appropriate ceremonies.

b. Sergeant major. This is the position title that designates the senior enlisted position on the staffs of various commanders. In keeping with the trust, confidence, responsibility, and authority bestowed upon this function, the sergeant major should be considered as a key staff member. As indicated in paragraph 11, it is from the sergeant major of a major unit or installation that the activities of the local NCO channel emanate. This channel functions orally through the sergeant major's and first sergeant's call and does not normally involve written directives.

c. First sergeant. This position title is second to the sergeant major in importance, responsibility, and prestige. In the sense that first sergeants are in direct and daily contact with sizeable numbers of other enlisted men, this position is one requiring outstanding leadership and professional competence. The first sergeant is the senior enlisted assistant to commanders of companies, batteries, and troops. It is normal for company commanders to use the noncommissioned officer channel (para 11) for the conduct of many routine activities, particularly in garrison. Thus, in these activities, the first sergeant occupies an intermediary position between the other enlisted personnel and the officers of the company. He conducts routine company administration and company operations as directed by the company commander. He drafts company orders, reports, and other documents requiring the signature of the company commander. The functions of the first sergeant do not include responsibilities which cannot be delegated by the company commander or which properly belong to the executive officer or platoon leaders.

d. Platoon sergeant. This position title is also one of the key ones in the command structure of the Army. It is normal for platoon sergeants to become vital members of the chain of command under the provisions of paragraph 16. When the officer platoon leader is present, the platoon sergeant is his key assistant and advisor.

e. Section, squad, and team leaders. The importance of these positions stems from the fact that the responsibilities of these echelons of the chain of command (para 11) are habitually exercised by noncommissioned officers. Platoon leaders hold their subordinate leaders responsible (1) For personal appearance and cleanliness of their soldiers.

(2) That all Government property issued to members of their units is properly maintained and accounted for at all times and that discrepancies are reported promptly. (3) That, while in a duty status, they be ready at all times to report the location and activity of all individuals of the unit. Thus as the basic reporting unit in formations, the squad is either present, or individuals absent

are reported by name and not merely accounted for.

(4) That the unit is prepared to function in its primary mission role.

f. Acting noncommissioned officers. Company, troop, battery, and separate detachment commanders may appoint acting corporals and sergeants in accordance with AR 600-200 for the purpose of filling position vacancies. Additionally, AR 600-200 provides for acting corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants for casual groups. While so acting they will wear the insignia and have the responsibilities, authority and privileges of the position to which appointed, except that they will not be entitled to the pay and allowances of such higher grades, and such service will not be credited as time in a higher grade for appointment or date of rank purposes.

g. Noncommissioned officer disciplinary policies. The purpose of this subparagraph is to emphasize the important status of noncommissioned officers in the maintenance of discipline in the Army. These policies should be considered together with the provisions of section V and MCM 1951.

(1) NCO authority to apprehend, see paragraph 32, this regulation; article 7(c) UCMJ; and paragraph 19, MCM 1951.

(2) Noncommissioned officers may be authorized by their commanding officers, in accordance with article. 9(b), UCMJ, to order enlisted persons into arrest or confinement. Also see paragraph 21a, MCM 1951. This authority is frequently confined by commanding officers to first sergeants, charge of quarters, or other duty positions.

(3) Noncommissioned officers do not have any authority to impose nonjudicial punishment upon other enlisted personnel under article 15, UCMJ. However, the recommendations of noncommissioned officers may be sought and considered by unit commanders.

(4) As enlisted commanders of troops certain noncommissioned officers play an extremely important role in furthering the efficiency of the company, battery, or troops. This function includes the prevention of incidents which, if they occurred, would make it necessary to resort to trial by courts-martial or imposition of nonjudicial punishment. Thus, the NCO is a key assistant to the commander in administering the minor nonpunitive (not to be confused with nonjudicial punishment) disciplinary responsibilities prescribed in paragraph 33, and in paragraph 128c, MCM 1951. See also paragraph 35b, this regulation.

(5) In taking corrective action with regard to subordinates, noncommissioned officers will be guided by, and observe, the principles set forth in paragraph 34e.

(6) For trials of noncommissioned officers by courtsmartial whose membership, as provided by article 25(c)(1), UCMJ, includes enlisted persons, the following

will apply. When it can be avoided, no member of the court-martial will be junior to the accused in rank or grade. Specialists will not, except under extraordinary circumstances, sit as members of courts-martial of noncommissioned officers. In those cases in which a specialist sits on a court-martial of a noncommissioned officer he should be in a higher pay grade than the accused.

(7) In the case of noncommissioned officers above the fourth enlisted pay grade, summary courts-martial may not adjudge confinement, hard labor without confinement, or reduction except to the next inferior grade.

(8) When nonjudicial punishment (art. 15, UCMJ) is imposed on a noncommissioned officer it may not include correctional custody, confinement on bread and water or diminished rations, or any type of extra duty involving labor or duties not customarily performed by a noncommissioned officer of the grade of the person who is to perform the extra duty.

h. Miscellaneous NCO responsibilities, prerogatives, and privileges. Noncommissioned officers will:

(1) Execute orders on their own initiative and judgment within the authority delegated to them.

(2) Be employed as training instructors to the maximum degree practicable.

(3) Make recommendations relative to unit mission accomplishment and troop welfare. NCO recommendations have traditionally been of immeasurable assistance to their commanding officer on such matters as assignment, reassignment, promotion, privileges, discipline, training, unit funds, community affairs, and supply.

(4) Be utilized only in supervisory roles on fatigue duty, and only as noncommissioned officers of the guard on guard duty, except in temporary situations where other grades are critically short.

(5) Be granted such privileges as organization and installation commanders are capable of granting and consider proper to enhance the prestige of these vital enlisted troop commanders.

(6) Be considered for assignment of quarters (noncommissioned officers with bona fide dependents) by installation commanders upon the basis of several pertinent factors under the provisions of AR 210-14. Determination of the seniority factor of applicants under AR 210-14 will be on the basis of date of rank within pay grade for all enlisted personnel under consideration.

(7) Be afforded pass privileges in accordance with AR 630-20, which provides that no pass form will be required for staff sergeants and higher.

(8) Be afforded the privilege of establishing and operating noncommissioned officers' open messes as adjuncts of the Army as covered in AR 230-60.

(9) Be afforded separate rooms in barracks areas to the extent feasible under the provisions of AR 210–18.