Final answer:
The 'Blue Book' was written by Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben in 1778 to standardize NCO duties and improved the Continental Army's discipline during the American Revolutionary War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States", commonly known as the "Blue Book", was written by Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben in 1778. Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who brought his experience to the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He implemented a rigorous training program that significantly improved the military capabilities of the American troops, transforming them into a disciplined force ready to confront the British. The Blue Book played a crucial role in standardizing NCO duties and responsibilities, and its influence persisted for decades in the U.S. military.