Final answer:
During 1778, the NCO ranks were Sergeant Major, Sergeant, and Corporal. These ranks formed the leadership structure that connected enlisted men with the commissioned officers in the Continental Army.
Step-by-step explanation:
The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) ranks during the year 1778 were Sergeant Major, Sergeant, and Corporal. These ranks were critical in maintaining discipline and order within the military units of the Continental Army. The NCOs were the backbone of the army, serving as the crucial link between the enlisted men and the commissioned officers. They played a pivotal role in training troops, overseeing day-to-day operations, and ensuring that the soldiers under their command were combat-ready.
Notable figures from this period who held higher commissioned officer ranks included General George Washington, who was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army; Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, known for his leadership at the Battle of Cowpens; Major Benedict Arnold, who contributed significantly before his act of treason; and Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who was involved in several key campaigns of the Revolutionary War.