[Grimmy]

Correct me if I am wrong on this:

It's been my experience that the officer corps had largely lost the ability to properly utilize the NCO.

It should be rare that an officer directly interacts with non-rate troops. thats what NCOs are for.
Officers interact with their noncoms and the noncoms follow through from there...and vice versa. Troops go to noncomes and noncomes either fix it or take it up to the officer.

NCOs are like shop foremen and officers are like the executives..junior or otherwise.

But, like has been said in the previous posts...example, lead by example. Do your job to the fullest. Let it be known that that will be expected from all in all things at all times.
Dont compromise. Know your mission inside out and upside down.