NCO School

Discover the untold story of the Noncommissioned Officer Candidate Course (NCOCC), a transformative yet overlooked chapter in US Army history. NCO School: How the Vietnam-era NCO Candidate Course Shaped the Modern Army unveils the rigorous training and complex legacy of a program designed to rapidly produce combat ready leaders during the Vietnam War. Often dismissed as “Shake ‘n Bake” NCOs, these men faced harsh scrutiny and intense pressure despite their vital role in military operations.

This meticulously-researched book challenges the myths and stereotypes surrounding NCOs and their training, highlighting the program’s impact on the NCO Corps’ evolution and its enduring lessons for military leadership. Drawing from firsthand accounts, historical records, and personal reflections, author Daniel K. Elder offers a comprehensive narrative that not only honors those who served but also provides critical insights for today’s military scholars and practitioners. A must-read for anyone interested in military studies, leadership development, and the hidden stories of those who led from the frontlines.