How were NCO promotions conducted in World War II?

NCO promotions during World War II were primarily conducted by the Regimental Commander. This approach allowed for leadership to assess the qualities and capabilities of soldiers directly, ensuring that promotions were executed based on the needs of the unit and the demonstrated performance of the soldiers. Commanders had intimate knowledge of the individuals within their units and were responsible for identifying those who would be effective leaders, particularly in the challenging conditions of wartime. This system emphasized the importance of leadership assessment and alignment with the operational requirements of their units.

The other methods mentioned, such as peer selection, merit-based tests, and direct nominations from soldiers, were not the standard practices at that time. Instead, the process centered around the authority and judgment of the commander, reflecting the hierarchical and structured nature of military leadership during World War II. Promoting soldiers based on firsthand evaluation allowed for a more tailored approach to staffing NCO positions.