FAQs about IamNCO

Answering some questions about our direction

The Institute for Advanced Noncommissioned Leadership (IamNCO) is a nonprofit think tank committed to researching, analyzing, and advocating for the U.S. Army’s Noncommissioned Officer Corps. Founded to address the evolving role of NCOs, we provide research-driven recommendations to enhance leadership development, training, and policy.

As an independent organization, we collaborate with military personnel, veterans, and policymakers to ensure our work remains relevant and impactful. We shape best practices and innovative leadership strategies for the future force through applied research, data collection, and engagement with decision-makers. Our success depends on the support of active and retired NCOs, researchers, and educators who contribute through research, volunteering, and donations.

To help you better understand our mission, operations, and how you can get involved, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Below, you'll find key details about our research focus, membership opportunities, funding, and publications. We encourage you to explore and join us in shaping the future of enlisted leadership. Visit IamNCO.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information

1. What is IamNCO?
   Institute for Advance NCO Leadership is a nonprofit think tank that researches, analyzes, and advocates for issues relevant to U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs). We provide data-driven insights to support NCO leadership, development, and policy initiatives.

2. Why was this think tank created?
   The think tank was founded to address the unique challenges and evolving roles of NCOs within the U.S. Army, providing research-driven recommendations to enhance training, leadership, and professional development.

3. Is this organization officially affiliated with the U.S. Army?
   No, we are an independent nonprofit organization. However, we work closely with military personnel, veterans, defense experts, and policymakers to ensure our research aligns with the needs of the NCO Corps.

4. What are the primary focus areas of your research?
   Our research covers NCO-Focused applied research, leverages participatory action research to collect and maintain enlisted member feedback and data, collaborates with military scientists, engages with decision-makers to influence or shape policy for enlisted leader development concepts, experiments with new and innovative methods to ensure the relevance of future NCO’s, develop and maintain a repository of NCO-centric best practices.

5. Who benefits from the work of this think tank?
   Active-duty and retired NCOs, policymakers, military leadership, academic institutions, and veterans benefit from our research and policy insights.

Operations & Membership

6. Who can join or contribute to the think tank?
   Membership and contributions are open to active-duty and retired military personnel, researchers, defense analysts, educators, and anyone passionate about supporting the NCO Corps. There is no member application; you belong just by honorably serving currently or in the past as an NCO.

7. How can I get involved with the think tank?
   You can get involved by contributing research, volunteering, attending events, or donating to support our mission. We are seeking volunteer research fellows; visit our website at iamnco.org for more details.

8. Does the think tank publish reports?
   Yes, we publish white papers, policy briefs, research reports, and articles covering topics relevant to NCOs and the broader military community.

9. Where is the organization headquartered?
   Our headquarters is located in Temple, Texas, but we have contributors and partners nationwide.

10. Do you collaborate with other military organizations?
    Yes, we partner with veteran organizations, military schools, research institutions, and defense policy groups to ensure our research has a broad impact.

Funding & Donations

11. How is the think tank funded?
    We rely on grants, donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events to support our research and initiatives.

12. Are donations tax-deductible?
    Yes, as a registered nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

13. How can I donate to support your mission?
    Donations can be made via our website, mail, or corporate sponsorships. We also accept in-kind contributions.

14. How are funds used?
    Funds support research projects, publications, outreach programs, educational initiatives, and operational costs.

Research & Publications

15. How do you choose research topics?
    Our research agenda is shaped by input from NCOs, military professionals, policymakers, and emerging trends in defense and leadership studies.

16. Can individuals submit research or articles?
    Yes, we welcome research contributions from scholars, military personnel, and subject matter experts. All submissions go through a peer review process.

17. How can I access your reports and findings?
    Most of our publications are available for free on our website. Some specialized reports may require membership or a donation.

18. Do you provide research support for policymakers and military leaders?
    Yes, we offer policy recommendations, data analysis, and expert briefings for military and government decision-makers.

Events & Outreach

19. Do you host events or conferences?
    Yes, we organize webinars, symposiums, leadership forums, and networking events focused on NCO-related topics.

20. How can I stay updated on your work?
    Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and check our website regularly for updates on research, events, and initiatives

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