The Army NCO School is a Military Establishment for Professional Education with the mission to ensure, through the courses held there, the cultural, technical, professional and military preparation for ingress and progression in the NCO permanent cadres. This School holds NCO Training Courses and Courses for Promotion to Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Major.

The genealogy of the Army NCO School dates from 1641 with the creation of the oldest military corps in Portugal which was named “TERÇO DE ELVAS” and is the heir of the traditions of several units, amongst which the 5th Infantry Regiment, celebrated for having taken part in the action on March 16, 1974. Throughout its history, this unit was located in Elvas, Terceira Island (Azores), Lisbon, Porto and Caldas da Rainha. It fought worthy actions in many battles and campaigns in which Portugal was involved.

On June 1, 1981, when the Caldas da Rainha Infantry Regiment was extinguished, the Army NCO School was formed in the same city, with its name and location maintained until now.

Its National Standard bears the decorations of Honorary Member of the Military Order of Avis and the Order of Freedom. 

• Mission and Organization
• Historical Summary
• Decorations
• Armorial Bearings and Motto