6 Effective Tips to Memorize the Army NCO Creed Quickly
If you would like to memorize the NCO Creed, you are not alone. Many NCOs have the same desire.
However, most people who want to memorize the creed do not understand how to begin. They get stuck at the very beginning.
The first step to memorizing anything is to simply commit it to memory. You must literally imprint it on your mind. This is not as difficult as it may seem.
In fact, once you learn the simple techniques I am going to share with you in this article, you will be amazed at how easy it is to imprint almost any information on your mind.
So, let’s begin by committing the NCO Creed to memory.
Table of Contents
What is the Army NCO Creed?
The NCO Creed is a short statement of the core beliefs of an Army non-commissioned officer.
On the whole, it is about 3 paragraphs or 289 words.
It is a concise summary of the proper responsibilities and authority of every noncommissioned officer. It is a creed that every noncommissioned officer must learn and internalize.
The History of the Army NCO Creed
The Vietnam War had a profound effect on the US Army. This included the NCO Corps.
So, the Army was working on a new Field Manual for leaders. The NCO Subcommittee of the Command and Leadership Committee, Leadership Department, was responsible for developing the model leadership programs of instruction for the U.S. Army Infantry School.
The NCO Creed was written during a brainstorming session to help noncommissioned officers develop a yardstick by which to measure themselves. The Creed was only officially recognized in the late 1970s.
The NCO Creed has been rewritten many different ways over the years, but the basic meaning of the creed remains the same.
Why is the NCO Creed Important?
As I have noted, this creed is the most important piece of knowledge that every noncommissioned officer must memorize.
The NCO Creed is important because it provides a road map for the proper responsibilities and authority of every noncommissioned officer.
It provides a set of rules to live by and a yardstick to measure yourself against.
In fact, it is the single most important document for any noncommissioned officer.
The Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer
No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as “The Backbone of the Army.” I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers, and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service, and my country; regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind – accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer, I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers, and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!
How to Memorize the NCO Creed?
1. To Memorize the NCO Creed, Use the Outline
One of the main reasons why an outline is a good method to memorize the NCO Creed is that it will help you to remember the main points of the creed.
The below outline could help you remember the NCO creed, but it will be better if you write down your own outline.
- The first paragraph of the NCO creed is about pride in heritage and personal values.
- The second paragraph is about personal accountability both to yourself and to your soldiers.
- Finally, the last paragraph discusses how you fit into the larger scheme of the army, and as a leader in general. As a leader and decision-maker, you have a responsibility to uphold others to that as well.
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2. Start by Memorizing the First Sentence for Each Paragraph
The first sentence of each paragraph is the most important sentence in the entire paragraph. It can help you to recall what the paragraph is about and make sure you have it exactly right.
Here are three sentences of three paragraphs:
- No one is more professional than I.
- Competence is my watchword.
- Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine.
Memorize them, then use them as hints to help you remember what the paragraph is about. You should be able to glance at a paragraph and instantly know what it’s all about. If you can’t do that, re-read the paragraph until you can and then go on to the next one.
3. Read the NCO Creed Out Loud
Reading the creed out loud will give you a chance to really “hear” the words, and help you internalize them.
Why?
This is because when you read something out loud, your hearing becomes more alert, and you are more likely to internalize what you are reading.
It also forces you to slow down and think about what you are reading, giving you time to let the words sink in. This helps you remember them better.
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4. Record Your Reading and Keep Listening to the Recording Continuously
Listening to the recording will help you memorize the creed faster and more effectively.
Reason?
Because, if you are listening to the recording, you are thinking about the words and what they mean, and you will be more likely to remember them.
Also, you can re-listen to the recording as many times as you need to. You could listen during driving the car, shopping, cooking, or doing chores.
In addition to listening to the recording, you need to take notes on what you are reading. Taking notes while listening is very important. It helps you retain the information in your mind. And remember, your goal is not just to memorize the creed but also to internalize it so it becomes a part of you.
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5. Handwrite the NCO Creed to Help You Memorize
Handwriting is a great way to help you memorize the NCO Creed.
Here’s why: When you write something out longhand, your brain has to work a little harder to “decode” the written message. That means your mind has to spend a tiny bit of extra time and energy on what would otherwise be a “frozen” image in your mind.
As a result, your brain gets to work on the “editing” and “reviewing” of what you have just written. This makes it easier for you to remember what you have written because your mind is actively involved in the process.
6. Use Spaced Repetition System to Memorize the NCO Creed
Spaced Repetition System is one of the best ways to memorize the NCO Creed.
What is the Spaced Repetition System?
The Spaced Repetition System is based on the law of spaced repetition. It states that when you are trying to memorize something, you need to “spaced out” the memorization process.
This is not just because it is based on the law of spaced repetition. When you use the SRS, you are giving your mind the opportunity to review what you have just learned, thus making it easier for you to memorize the NCO Creed.
The more you review the NCO Creed, the easier it is to memorize it.
There are many good SRSs out there. I personally use Anki, but any good SRS will work.
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What is The Most Important Line in The NCO Creed?
My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind – accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers.
Conclusion
I hope you find this guide useful and help you memorize the NCO Creed quickly.
But don’t stop there. Read the creed aloud, take notes while listening to the recording, and then practice writing it out longhand.
All of these activities will help you internalize the creed and make it a part of you. Good Luck!
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