This book is well written, impeccably researched, and authoritative. It is by far the best history of the NCO corps I've been able to find and well worth adding to your library if you are interested in the subject. The book is well footnoted for scholars wishing to explore related issues.

Since there has been an American Army, so has there been noncommissioned officers. However, until the initial release of Fishers' Guardians in '94, there had been no exhaustive portrayal of the history of the noncom. This book served as one of 3 publications that actually attempt to explain the development of the noncommissioned officer. However with the first edition no longer in print, those with curious minds had a major task in locating a copy of Fishers work. Now with it returning, this time in paperback, it is imperative that the Army realize the potential of this book and issue it to soldiers attending leadership academies. Our story is too important not to perpetuate. As the Future NCO Vision states we are Corps, "grounded in heritage, values and tradition." The latest release has been updated and carried the story to the new millenium and will be a valuable resource for all noncommissioned officers and their friends. Every NCO should get a copy and read it from cover to cover.