FORT BLISS, Texas (Army News Service) -- The only magazine devoted to the noncommissioned officer corps in the U.S. Army made its return to the field this month after three years of non-publication in hardcopy form.

The NCO Journal, a quarterly publication that made its first debut in 1991, is a professional development tool, officials said, designed to provide a forum for the open exchange of ideas and information, support training, education and development of noncommissioned officers.

"As part of the magazine’s mission, it also fosters a closer bond among the NCO corps," said Staff Sgt. Donald Sparks, editor-in-chief of the NCO Journal. "This magazine is long overdue in getting it back to our Army and the NCO Corps. For the last three years, there have been numerous requests and correspondence concerning the magazine’s status."

Sparks spearheaded the magazine’s return by designing the entire publication, which he said was no easy task. After the three years when the magazine was sporadically posted on the web, there were few articles to consider when funding was restored for printing, he said.

"The success of the NCO Journal depends primarily on the NCOs in the field," Sparks said. "Three years is a long time for any publication to recover after not printing, but as word got out about the magazine’s return, articles made their way to my desk."

The newest journal features articles ranging from the Army’s current promotion policy, the indefinite re-enlistment policy, building on the Army’s seven Core Values and an interview with Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley. It also includes a book review (a regular feature) and letters to the editor.

The NCO Journal themes for this fiscal year have already been identified: Spring — Training/Readiness; Summer — Noncommissioned Officer Education System; and Fall — NCO/Officer relationship. The deadline for the upcoming spring issue is Feb. 28 for articles and artwork.

Target circulation is one magazine for every seven noncommissioned officers.

For more information about the NCO Journal or to send articles to the magazine, e-mail atss-sj-ncojournal@bliss.army.mil or call DSN 978-9068.