Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of a Non-Commissioned Officer?

The best description of the responsibilities of a Non-Commissioned Officer is leading soldiers and managing training. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) play a vital role in the Army's leadership structure, serving as the primary link between enlisted personnel and the officer corps. Their duties encompass developing and mentoring soldiers, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles, and fostering an environment conducive to effective training.

Leading soldiers involves motivating and guiding them to achieve both individual and unit goals, while managing training includes planning, executing, and assessing training activities to improve the unit's effectiveness. NCOs are responsible for instilling discipline and building cohesion within their teams, which are essential elements in the success of military operations.

In contrast, conducting formal evaluations for officer candidates is primarily the responsibility of officers and not an NCO's direct duty. Planning military operations without enlisted input overlooks the collaborative nature of military decision-making, where input from all ranks is essential for effective planning and execution. Handling administrative tasks exclusively would not accurately capture the broad scope of responsibilities that NCOs hold, as their roles go far beyond paperwork to include leadership and mentorship.