Retiree News

The Hawaiʻi Army National Guard (HIARNG) Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy was formally established in September 1970 to fill a longstanding need for a structured, in-house program to train and develop the Guard’s NCO corps. Initially, the course was conceived as a short, three-weekend drill program. However, feedback from both instructors and students prompted an expansion into a more comprehensive five-week format, with a strong emphasis on leadership, methods of instruction, administration, drill and ceremony and practical problem-solving in both military and community contexts.

From the outset, the Academy had no rank restrictions for enrollment — commanders actively encouraged promising junior enlisted Soldiers, including E-3s and E-4s, to attend. Operated by the staff of the Officer Candidate School, the program combined approximately 85 hours of classroom instruction with hands-on field training in general military subjects, weapons, and tactics. The curriculum focused on practical small-unit leadership, aiming to enhance the professional competence and readiness of HIARNG’s non-commissioned leaders.

The first class began in September 1970 and graduated 24 Soldiers in November. Spec. Four Milton K.K. Hee, Detachment 1, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry, earned the distinction of Honor Graduate.

In fiscal year 1972, the Academy continued its twice-yearly training cycles. Class 1-72 produced 25 graduates, while Class 2-72 graduated 27 Soldiers. The program maintained its momentum in 1973 with Class 1-73 graduated 21 Soldiers and in 1974 with Class 1-74 graduated 16 Soldiers, and Class 2-74 graduated 19 Soldiers.

On June 21, 1974, the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy was formally consolidated with the Officer Candidate School under a new umbrella organization — the Hawaiʻi Military Academy. While administratively unified, the NCO school retained its distinct mission: to provide rigorous, practical leadership training for the enlisted leaders of the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.

References: 1970 Winter The Hawaii Guardsman, 1971 Annual Report, 1972 Annual Report , 1973 Annual Report, 1974 Summer Pūpūkahi

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