Military history provides clear examples that wars often occur unexpectedly. Surprise attacks such as Pearl Harbor, the North Korean invasion of South Korea, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the September 11 terror attacks, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine serve as sobering reminders for military leaders of the importance of readiness. One of the highest callings for NCOs is ensuring their units are at the highest readiness levels. The price of complacency is measured in lost lives and wars fought from disadvantaged positions. By examining past failures in readiness, NCOs can better understand their crucial role in maintaining operational effectiveness and safeguarding national security.
Pearl Harbor: The Cost of Ignoring Warnings
On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, crippling the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Complacency and unpreparedness allowed the attack to succeed despite numerous warning signs—diplomatic tensions, intelligence reports, and even an intercepted Japanese message. Many American military leaders assumed that if Japan were to attack, it would be in the Philippines, not Hawaii. This miscalculation led to devastating losses and forced the United States into World War II from a position of initial weakness.
For today’s NCOs, the lesson is clear: never assume the enemy will act as expected. Complacency in routine operations, intelligence analysis, or training regimens creates vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. Remaining vigilant, questioning assumptions, and maintaining high readiness are critical to preventing history from repeating itself.
June 25, 1950: The North Korean Invasion of South Korea
The Korean War began with another unexpected assault. North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel on June 25, 1950, catching South Korean and U.S. forces off guard. Intelligence reports had indicated rising tensions, but strategic and operational readiness remained low. The underestimation of North Korea’s capabilities and intentions nearly resulted in the complete loss of the Korean Peninsula before U.S. reinforcements stabilized the situation.
Modern NCOs must understand that deterrence and preparation require actual capability. War readiness is not just about having forces in place; it’s about ensuring they are trained, equipped, and mentally prepared for immediate action. NCOs must enforce rigorous training, maintain discipline, and challenge their units to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait: The Illusion of Stability
On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, overwhelming its defenses in a matter of hours. The international community was surprised, assuming Saddam Hussein would avoid confrontation with the West. The failure to predict and deter this aggression led to Operation Desert Storm, requiring a massive U.S.-led military response.
This event underscores the importance of questioning false assumptions about adversary intentions. NCOs should instill a mindset of constant vigilance in their troops—just because an enemy appears deterred does not mean they are incapable of striking. Intelligence, situational awareness, and the ability to mobilize rapidly are key to preventing strategic surprises.
September 11, 2001: A New Kind of Surprise Attack
Unlike traditional military assaults, the September 11 attacks redefined the nature of threats the U.S. military must prepare for. Terrorists exploited gaps in intelligence, security procedures, and response protocols to carry out coordinated strikes on American soil. The result was not just a tragic loss of life but also a fundamental shift in national security priorities, leading to decades of counterterrorism operations.
The lesson for NCOs is that readiness must extend beyond conventional warfare. As threats evolve, so must training and preparation. Cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, asymmetric warfare tactics, and crisis response drills are now as critical as traditional combat skills. The NCO’s role is to ensure that their troops are proficient in their primary duties and adaptable to emerging threats.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Underestimating the Will to Fight
In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, expecting a quick victory. Instead, Ukrainian forces, trained and equipped with Western support, mounted fierce resistance. While Russia had numerical and technological advantages, it underestimated Ukrainian soldiers’ morale, adaptability, and resilience.
This war highlights the importance of training, leadership, and the will to fight. NCOs are the backbone of military units, instilling discipline, tactical proficiency, and esprit de corps. A well-led, well-trained force can withstand and repel even numerically superior adversaries. History shows that technology and strategy matter, but the fighting spirit of well-prepared soldiers often determines the outcome of a conflict.
Conclusion: The NCO’s Role in Preventing the Next Surprise Attack
Complacency is the enemy of a peacetime military. We must attack complacency every day if we are going to be prepared for the next war. Training our people is the most significant responsibility of being an NCO. Throughout history, surprise attacks have revealed the fatal consequences of complacency and inadequate preparedness. NCOs are responsible for preventing similar failures. They enforce discipline, maintain readiness, and lead their troops, ensuring preparedness for any situation. Through these measures, NCOs can ensure that when deterrence fails, we are not.
The lessons from Pearl Harbor, Korea, Kuwait, 9/11, and Ukraine are clear: threats may come when least expected, from directions not anticipated, and in forms not previously considered. The modern battlefield demands adaptability, vigilance, and unwavering readiness. As an NCO, you must instill these principles in your troops, ensuring that when the next threat emerges, your unit is ready to meet it head-on. The cost of unpreparedness is too high to ignore—we are there at war, or we are preparing for war.
NCO Leadership Primer 
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