On Sept.19, 2024, officers and NCOs from Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA), Headquarters Army Contracting Command (HQ ACC) and Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) gathered at ACC-RSA for a leadership professional development (LPD). Their distinguished guest was Michael A. Grinston, the now retired 16th sergeant major of the Army. The LPD was led by Colonel Burr Miller, ACC-RSA’s military deputy, with support from ACC’s Command Sergeant Major Rachel Harris.
The session began with introductions of the officers and NCOs in attendance, followed by a brief overview by Col. Miller of the ACC mission, and then an informal questions and answers period. Grinston kicked off the discussion by asking the group what they would like to know about the Army. With 36 years of experience as a Soldier, he had much to offer.
In his role as sergeant major of the Army, Grinston was the Army chief of staff's adviser on matters affecting enlisted Soldiers. He travelled worldwide interacting with Soldiers and their families. His current role as CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER), the official nonprofit of the U.S. Army, allows him to continue making a positive difference in the lives of Soldiers and their families.
While addressing his role as sergeant major of the Army, Grinston said, “The higher you go, the more people will criticize you. Leadership does come with risk.” Questions from the audience included topics of work-life balance, social media engagement, and Army initiatives. On work-life balance, he encouraged the group that it’s OK not to work 24/7, to prioritize what they want to be there for with their family, and to tell people what’s happening so you can attend key family events. On social media engagement, he highlighted the benefit of sharing the truth in a timely manner. He recognized that people are afraid to do it because of the backlash. Finally, on Army initiatives, he said that he worked until the end before retiring from the Army last year. Any undone initiatives can be passed on for the good of the Army.
His words of wisdom made an impression. Major Christine Baughan said, “I appreciated the insight that Sgt. Maj. of the Army (Retired) Grinston transparently offered about his professional and personal life, both during his tenure as sergeant major of the Army and now as CEO of AER. He spoke freely as an open book, answering questions about why certain decisions in the military were made during his time as sergeant major of the Army, about the effects the Army had on him, and about his life now. Sharing several stories, he also offered a wealth of advice that applied to every Soldier in the room – information I know will help as we continue to progress in our careers.”
Participants in the LPD left with an AER coin presented by Grinston, along with key takeaways they can use throughout their military career. They also received tips that can help as they transition out of the Army. He advised being comfortable in rooms where you’re not the expert and encouraged asking questions. He also stressed not being defined by your job and uniform.
Finally, Command Sgt. Maj. Harris reminded everyone of ACC’s motto to “win every day.” The knowledge gained at the LPD with retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Grinston will help the Soldiers in attendance to do that.
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