What does the sergeant major of the army do?

What Does the Sergeant Major of the Army Do?

The Sergeant Major of the Army (SGM) is the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the United States Army. This prestigious position is responsible for providing guidance and leadership to the entire Army, with a focus on enlisted personnel. In this article, we will delve into the role and responsibilities of the Sergeant Major of the Army, highlighting the key duties and functions of this critical position.

Key Responsibilities

The Sergeant Major of the Army serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, providing counsel and guidance on matters related to enlisted personnel. The SGM is responsible for:

• Advocating for Enlisted Personnel: The SGM serves as the voice of the enlisted soldier, ensuring that their concerns and issues are heard and addressed at the highest levels of the Army.
• Developing Enlisted Policy: The SGM works with the Chief of Staff of the Army to develop policies and procedures that impact enlisted personnel, ensuring that they are fair, effective, and aligned with Army values.
• Providing Leadership and Guidance: The SGM provides guidance and leadership to senior leaders, ensuring that they understand the needs and concerns of enlisted personnel and are equipped to make informed decisions.

Key Areas of Focus

The Sergeant Major of the Army focuses on several key areas, including:

• Soldier Readiness: The SGM works to ensure that enlisted personnel are properly trained, equipped, and ready to perform their duties.
• Leadership Development: The SGM is responsible for developing and implementing leadership programs and training for enlisted personnel, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
• Soldier Well-being: The SGM advocates for the well-being and welfare of enlisted personnel, ensuring that they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Key Skills and Qualities

To be successful in this role, the Sergeant Major of the Army must possess the following key skills and qualities:

• Strong Leadership Skills: The SGM must be able to provide effective leadership and guidance to senior leaders and enlisted personnel.
• Excellent Communication Skills: The SGM must be able to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels, from junior enlisted soldiers to senior leaders.
• Strategic Thinking: The SGM must be able to think strategically, identifying and addressing key issues and challenges that impact the Army.
• Integrity and Character: The SGM must possess the highest levels of integrity and character, serving as a role model for enlisted personnel.

History of the Position

The position of Sergeant Major of the Army was established in 1958, with the first SGM, Master Sergeant Nathan B. Twining, serving from 1958 to 1961. Since then, there have been 14 Sergeants Major of the Army, each serving a four-year term.

Current SGM

The current Sergeant Major of the Army is Sergeant Major Michael A. Grinston, who has served in this position since 2020. SGM Grinston has had a distinguished career, serving in various leadership positions and earning numerous awards and decorations.

Conclusion

The Sergeant Major of the Army plays a critical role in the United States Army, serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army. This position requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and integrity and character. The SGM is responsible for advocating for enlisted personnel, developing enlisted policy, and providing leadership and guidance to senior leaders. By understanding the role and responsibilities of the Sergeant Major of the Army, we can better appreciate the importance of this position and the critical role it plays in the success of the Army.

Table: Key Responsibilities of the Sergeant Major of the Army

Bullets: Key Areas of Focus

• Soldier Readiness: Ensuring that enlisted personnel are properly trained, equipped, and ready to perform their duties
• Leadership Development: Developing and implementing leadership programs and training for enlisted personnel
• Soldier Well-being: Advocating for the well-being and welfare of enlisted personnel