New primer written by and for noncommissioned officers 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 offic… 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 Sergeant 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 Sergeant Major Russell to co-author for several reasons,” Nelson