What is a primary role of non-commissioned officers in Phase V readiness?

• A. Manage supply procurement
• B. Lead by example, oversee training and compliance
• C. Publish daily reports to higher command
• D. Develop new weapons for phase V

Answer: (B)

In Phase V readiness, a non-commissioned officer's main responsibility is to lead by example and oversee training and compliance. NCOs are the lifeblood of daily preparation—they translate the commander’s intent into practical drills, supervise how soldiers perform tasks, and ensure everyone follows the established procedures and safety rules. This means coaching, correcting deficiencies, and maintaining discipline so that training quality stays high and standards are consistently met.

In a chemical battalion context, that supervisory role is especially crucial: NCOs ensure proper use and maintenance of protective gear, conduct and supervise decontamination drills, verify detection and monitoring procedures, and enforce SOPs during all readiness activities. By modeling punctuality, precision, and safety, they set the tone for the unit and keep readiness actions moving smoothly.

Other activities like securing supplies, publishing routine reports, or developing new weapons fall outside the primary duties of NCOs in this setting. Those tasks are handled by other branches of the organization or specialists, while the NCOs keep the focus on training, qualification, and adherence to standards that ensure the unit is ready when it matters.