W. Va. Code § 15-1B-7: Appointment, promotion and reduction of noncommissioned officers.

Noncommissioned officers shall be appointed and promoted and may be reduced in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations: Provided, however, That in active service of the state, in cases requiring immediate example, a noncommissioned officer may be reduced to the ranks by his immediate commander, subject to appeal to, and review and approval by, the appointing officer.