Others have shared the Navy and Army NCO/SNCO creeds. Thought I’d share those of the US Air Force…
NCO = E-4 through E-6 (Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Technical Sergeant)
SNCO = E-7 through E-9 (Master Sergeant, Senior Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sergeant)
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Creed
NO ONE IS MORE PROFESSIONAL THAN I. I AM A NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER, A LEADER OF PEOPLE. I AM PROUD OF THE NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER CORP AND WILL AT ALL TIMES CONDUCT MYSELF SO AS TO BRING CREDIT UPON IT. I WILL NOT USE MY GRADE OR POSITION TO ATTAIN PROFIT OR SAFETY.
COMPETENCE IS MY WATCHWORD, I WILL STRIVE TO MAINTAIN TACTICALLY AND TECHNICALLY PROFICIENT. I WILL ALWAYS BE AWARE OF MY ROLE AS A NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER; I WILL FULFILL MY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DISPLAY PROFESSIONALISM AT ALL TIMES. I WILL STRIVE TO KNOW MY SUBORDINATES AND USE THEIR SKILLS TO THE MAXIMUM DEGREE POSSIBLE. I WILL ALWAYS PLACE THEIR NEEDS ABOVE MY OWN AND WILL COMMUNICATE WITH MY SUPERVISORS AND MY PEOPLE AND NEVER LEAVE THEM UNINFORMED.
I WILL EXERT EVERY EFFORT AND RISK ANY RIDICULE TO SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISH MY ASSIGNED DUTIES, I WILL NOT LOOK AT A PERSON AND SEE ANY RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, AGE, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, FOR I WILL SEE ONLY THE PERSON; NOR WILL I EVER SHOW PREJUDICE OR BIAS. I WILL LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND WILL RESORT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION ONLY WHEN NECESSARY. I WILL CARRY OUT ORDERS TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITIES AND WILL ALWAYS OBEY THE DECISIONS OF MY SUPERIORS.
I WILL GIVE ALL OFFICERS MY MAXIMUM SUPPORT TO ENSURE MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT. I WILL EARN THEIR RESPECT, OBEY THEIR ORDERS, AND ESTABLISH A HIGH DEGREE IF INTEGRITY WITH THEM. I WILL EXERCISE INITIATIVE IN THE ABSENCE OF ORDERS AND WILL MAKE DECISIVE AND ACCURATE DECISIONS.
I WILL NOT COMPROMISE MY INTEGRITY NOR MY MORAL COURAGE. I WILL NOT FORGET THAT I AM A PROFESSIONAL, I AM A LEADER -- I AM A
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) Creed
"In the United States Air Force, a Master Sergeant joins an elite group. The term "Sergeant" is an ancient, honorable one that denotes a person possessing special skills, trust, and integrity. All of you are now Master Sergeants, which means you have mastered the techniques and abilities required of noncommissioned officers. As you progress to Senior Master Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant, your title will change, but not the designation as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. You are afforded privileges not awarded to others, and you have freely accepted responsibility beyond the call of normal duty. You have, by your actions and performance, earned the respect of your seniors and juniors. As Master Sergeants, your entire way of life will change. More will be expected of you; more will be demanded of you--not because you are a Master Sergeant, but because you are now a Senior NCO. You have not merely been promoted one pay grade, you have joined an exclusive group--A group dedicated to taking care of those who follow in their footsteps. As a member of this group, you have a responsibility to your fellow Senior NCO's even as they have a responsibility to you."
- I am a Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force.
- I hold allegiance to my country, devotion to duty, and personal integrity above all.
- I wear my rank of authority with dignity, I promote the highest standards of conduct, appearance, and performance by setting the example.
- I seek no favors because of my rank.
- I am devoted to the concept of service rather than personal gain.
- I uphold the traditions of senior noncommissioned officers who precede me.
- I manage resources under my control with astute efficiency, and lead the way with the highest level of competence.
- I always strive to merit the respect of my fellow senior noncommissioned officers and of all with whom I come in contact.
www.history.navy.mil
