Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Michael Weimer and his wife, Kimberly Weimer visited the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCoE) and the Sergeants Major Academy (SGM-A) on Fort Bliss, Texas from Nov. 18th-19th.
The purpose of the visit was to address Sergeants Major Course (SMC) Class 75 students and their spouses about the vital role they each have in contributing to the Army mission, as well as supporting our sister services, allies and partners around the world.
This year, the SMC is comprised of 66 international students from 55 countries, and service members from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, totaling 549 students in Class 75. Their motto is, “Be the Change” and SMA Weimer challenged them to do just that as they continue their journey to graduate the academy and move into positions of greater responsibility.
Weimer focused his address on the Army’s motto of “This We’ll Defend.” During the brief he told students, “You will never out promote the basics. Do not stop doing research, do not stop being inquisitive and do not stop asking questions.”
Weimer talked about what it truly means to have a READY ARMY:
Respect for self and each other
Experts in our profession
Army standards and discipline. Enforce them
Down and in, to understand what is happening within your formation
Your initiative to act on what is implied
Athletes not just in a physical sense but in mind and craft
Reliable flow of information for predictability
Mentoring and developing Soldiers to strengthen our force
Your time is valuable
This acronym resonates with leaders at all levels, not just senior NCOs currently attending the SGM-A, because it instills core fundamentals of leadership within each individual. Weimer conveyed, “consequences are dire if we cannot do what we do.”
On the second day of the visit, Mrs. Weimer addressed the spouses of Class 75. She was asked how she has dealt with being a spouse of a Soldier over the years. She expressed that it has not always been easy, but setting boundaries and sticking to them has helped her family. She declared, “do not allow others to make you feel guilty because every Family dynamic is different, so do what is best for your family.” She shared a story of how she ordered a life-sized cardboard cutout of her husband, which she takes with her to family events when SMA duties do not allow him to be home.
While Mrs. Weimer spoke to senior spouses, SMA Weimer met with the very first 12 participants of the Ultima Scholars Program to talk about their special projects that aim to solve organizational problems through scholarly research. As a successful graduate from this program, they can compete for a position to work in the office of the Sergeant Major of the Army, the Command Sergeant Major for Training and Doctrine Command and the Commandant of the NCOLCoE and SGM-A. After hearing all the topics, Weimer offered guidance to sharpen and focus each proposal. He impressed upon the scholars that, “your next command should know you were an Ultima Scholar. You are a critical thinker and an asset because your commanders will know you produce quality.”
Weimer concluded his visit by recognizing NCOLCoE staff for exceptional performance and contribution to the success of their department within the organization. He also praised individuals who played a key role in gathering information and ensuring a fair and rigorous candidate assessment for the fiscal year 2026 brigade command sergeant major command selection list process. He thanked them all for their hard work and continued dedication in maintaining the strength of our profession.
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