The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is issued by the U.S. Army for completion of any prescribed non-commissioned officer development courses. The first award of the NCO Professional Development Ribbon is issued for completion of the Warrior Leader Course (WLC) - which used to be called the "Primary NCO Course", "Combat Army Course", or "Primary Leadership Development Course" (PLDC). When a soldier completes additional schooling (such as the Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, or Sergeant's Major Course), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon is issued with an award numeral. The highest numeral authorized for the NCO Professional Development Ribbon is “4". The numeral “5" is obsolete and was previously authorized for graduation from the Army United States Army 1st Sergeant's Course.