Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen, the Army G9 and his senior enlisted advisor Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry III spoke to Sergeants Major Academy students of Class 74 at the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence on Feb. 6.
While Vereen could not appear in person, he was able to call in over a video live feed to speak to students and answer some of their questions, Perry was able to appear in person to speak with the class and share some of his experience.
The two spoke to the class about several issues ranging from base infrastructure, housing, barracks, childcare services and the effect a Sergeant Major can have on those issues and the Soldiers of a formation.
Vereen gave a few pieces of advice on leadership to the class members. “Be a source of wise council and good advice to your commander, you represent every Soldier in your formation as a Sergeant Major, help solve problems don’t just bring them to someone’s attention. Don’t be afraid to go to the barracks, their condition and maintenance starts with the NCOs.”
Perry told class members that upon being appointed to a Command Sergeants Major position they need to assist their commander in all regards especially those involving the concerns of and wellbeing of enlisted Soldiers. “Quality of life is of the upmost importance to maintain the force,” said Perry. He told them that quality of life has a major impact on the force and is a concern for all commanders.
“Many of these issues will be ones they deal with frequently as Command Sergeants Major.” Following that thought he told the class that when they graduate and take on a Sergeant Major or Command Sergeants Major role that they are the advocates for their Soldiers. “Get out and speak to young Soldiers,” said Perry. “Go to the barracks, find out what they and their families need and what we can do to ensure they are able to focus on the mission.”
Perry told the class that they can have a positive effect on many of these issues that affect younger Soldiers with their feedback, but they must be approachable.
“You have a duty and responsibility to uphold what it means to be a Sergeant Major,” said Perry. “The influence you have over Soldiers is invaluable.” drawing from his personal experience of almost 14 years serving as a Sgt. Maj. Perry left the class with one final piece of advice to take with them. “Be humble, you don’t have all the answers but remember you are a Sergeant Major.”
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