There are two distinct classes of military professionals who fill the criteria for "Professionals" and they are the commissioned officers, and the senior NCO. Little has changed since the Roman Legions in this respect, there are still two paths to professionalism, that of the much maligned 2nd Lt (once a Junior Tribune), who derives his status from his commission and prior education, and learns his trade as he rises in seniority. The second body of professionals are what was once called the Centuriate, the senior NCO who have risen through long service and consistant excellence to positions of authority. To demonstrate that this system is still in force in the Canadian Armed Forces, take a good look at the chain of command. I personally recall one memorable instance where our officers had performed dismally on the parade square on the rehearsal for an inspection by a Major General, with the result that the men were fallen out, and the Colonel turned the officers over to the RSM for the rest of the day. A few thousand years ago, it would have been the Legate (senior commissioned officer), turning his Tribunes (junior commissioned officers) over to his Primus Pilium (First Spear, or senior Centurion, equivalent to RSM). Then as now, the RSM is acknowledged as being of lower rank, but of higher professional standing than officers who are his superiors in rank.
Just as with Doctors and Nurses, the gap between the required knowledge of the Officers and NCO's have both lessened, and changed. The increasing technical sophistication of all trades, has made the specialized knowledge of an NCO equal in depth, although different in focus to that of the degree bearing officers. As technology continues to advance, so will this trend. Officers main focus is to lead, and apply the skills and force of their subordinates to accomplish the tasks set by their military superiors. This does not mean they need to possess these skills to the same depth as their troops, they simply need to know how to employ them effectively. The commissioned officers and senior NCO's are equal in professionalism, the difference is the focus. No one is suggesting that this threatens the chain of command, it simply recognizes the day of the pig-ignorant pike pusher is long gone, and the soldiers of today are as much a professional as the officers who command them.
