P-385-63 US Army Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Guide Download
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DA PAM 600–25 • 11 December 2018 11 NCOs know when they need to learn and use methods that help them efficiently and effectively acquire new knowledge and skills. (6) Adaptability. NCOs solve complex problems by using work and life experiences, training, and education, critical questioning, initiative, sound judgment, and collaboration. They provide opportunities for subordinates to develop prob- lem-solving skills, especially proficiency in critical, creative, and adaptive thinking. While NCOs are trained to use prob- lem-solving models, they are also trained in critical thinking—evaluating their thought processes as they solve problems. With respect to creative and adaptive thinking, NCOs recognize when a standard procedure is not an effective solution to a situation, and when they must innovate to solve a problem. As NCOs develop, they are comfortable operating in unex- pected situations, scanning the environment, identifying unique or unexpected conditions, and adjusting plans and proce- dures to adapt to the conditions. b. The four core roles and six learning areas are illustrated as the NCO 4x6 model (fig 2–4). The NCO 4x6 model ensures NCOs do not lose sight of their primary roles and is intended to serve as the foundation for developing the NCO corps. Figure 2–4. The noncommissioned officer 4X6 model 2–12. Noncommissioned officer’s scope of duties a. The U.S. Army has a professional NCO corps that prides itself in its responsibility to train Soldiers, crews, and small teams. NCOs are responsible for conducting standards-based, performance-oriented training. The heart of what it means to be an NCO is a function of moral and professional identity. An NCO must be a values-based leader with impeccable character, professional competence, presence, and intellectual capacity, who leads, develops, and achieves results. The traditional activities of NCOs include: taking care of Soldiers, communicating, supervising, training, teaching, advising, and mentoring. All of these remain at the core of their roles and responsibilities. This requires adapting and learning new roles; solving problems, analyzing, or synthesizing information; and managing resources. The operational context in which