General
nco
What does nco mean?
'Non-Commissioned Officer' — an enlisted service member promoted to a leadership role (e.g., corporal, sergeant, petty officer) responsible for supervising and training junior personnel.
""Ask your NCO before you make that call.""
Origin
Long-standing military rank-structure abbreviation.
Frequently asked questions
What does NCO mean?
NCO stands for 'Non-Commissioned Officer' — an enlisted service member in a leadership role, such as a corporal, sergeant, or petty officer, who supervises and trains junior personnel.
How is an NCO different from a commissioned officer?
NCOs rise through the enlisted ranks and lead at the small-unit level, while commissioned officers hold a formal commission and command at higher levels.
What is the NCOIC?
NCOIC is a related term meaning the 'NCO In Charge' of a specific section, shift, or task.
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