How Many Sergeant Majors of the Army are There?
The position of Sergeant Major of the Army ( SMA ) is the highest-enlisted position in the United States Army, ranking just below the Chief of Staff of the Army. This prestigious position is responsible for providing guidance and oversight to the Army’s senior enlisted leaders and advising the Army’s leadership on matters of personnel and policy.
So, how many Sergeant Majors of the Army are there?
The Official Answer
According to the United States Army’s website, there is one Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA). The SMA is a solo position, and it is the most senior enlisted position in the Army. The SMA is responsible for serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, and provides advice and counsel on matters affecting the Army’s enlisted soldiers.
History of the Position
The position of Sergeant Major of the Army has a long and storied history. The first Sergeant Major of the Army, Daniel G. Griffin, was appointed in 1904. Since then, the SMA has served as a symbol of excellence, leadership, and professionalism. The SMA is responsible for setting the standard for military bearing, leadership, and personal conduct for all non-commissioned officers in the Army.
The SMA’s Responsibilities
So, what does the SMA do? The SMA has several key responsibilities, including:
• Advising the Chief of Staff: The SMA serves as a trusted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, providing counsel on matters affecting the Army’s enlisted soldiers.
• Developing NCO Policy: The SMA is responsible for developing policy and guidance affecting non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the Army.
• Providing Leadership Advice: The SMA provides leadership advice and guidance to Army commanders and senior leaders on matters affecting the Army’s enlisted soldiers.
• Representing the Army: The SMA represents the Army at various events and functions, and serves as an ambassador for the Army at home and abroad.
How Sergeants Major Can Become the SMA
Sergeants Major of the Army are selected through a competitive process, and must possess a high level of military knowledge, leadership ability, and professionalism. To be eligible to become the SMA, an individual must be a:
• Active Duty Sergeant Major: An individual must be an active duty Sergeant Major in good standing, with a minimum of 20 years of military service.
• Senior Enlisted Leader: An individual must have held senior enlisted leadership positions, such as Brigade Sergeant Major, Division Sergeant Major, or equivalent.
• Strategic Leader: An individual must demonstrate a high level of strategic thinking and vision, with the ability to advise senior leaders on military and personnel matters.
Key Characteristics of the SMA
To be successful in the role of SMA, an individual must possess a range of key characteristics, including:
• Professionalism: A deep commitment to professionalism, with a high level of military knowledge and expertise.
• Leadership Ability: Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Tactical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Army doctrine and operations, with a high level of tactical proficiency.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and negotiate with senior leaders.
• Strategic Thinker: A strategic thinker with the ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is one Sergeant Major of the Army, responsible for serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and providing guidance and oversight to the Army’s senior enlisted leaders. To become the SMA, an individual must possess a high level of military knowledge, leadership ability, and professionalism.
