Episode #1: Effectively Leveraging NCOs in Staff Processes
Transcript for this episode available here: S1E1 Transcript [DOCX - 39.2 KB]
The Center for Army Lessons Learned hosts Sergeant Major (Retired) Mike Robinson for a discussion on maximizing the impact of Noncommissioned Officers within staff processes. The conversation highlighted common challenges in integrating NCOs into staff functions and offered practical solutions rooted in experience from various echelons, including joint task forces and Army Reserve components.
The podcast underscored the unique value NCOs bring to the staff – honed through years of experience at the company level – and the need to foster a collaborative environment where all voices are heard. Ultimately, effective NCO integration, coupled with continuous learning and leveraging resources like Army doctrine and CALL publications, is crucial for building adaptable and successful staffs prepared for the complexities of modern warfare.
Key highlights: building trust between officers and NCOs, clearly delineating tasks, and providing targeted training and mentorship.
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Guest Information: Sergeant Major Mike J. Robinson
Career Highlights:
Sergeant Major Michael J. Robinson served as the Sergeant Major to the Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Reserve Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina from August 2020 to August 2024. A 35-year veteran of the Army Reserve, he enlisted 31 January 1990. Sergeant Major Robinson has achieved multiple military occupational specialties, to include Combat Engineer (12B), Fire Fighter (12M), Combat Medic (68W), Radiology Specialist (68P), as well as various leadership and staff positions, across multiple functional areas, Army Reserve and Active Component Operational and Training Commands, ranging from Team Leader to Command Sergeant Major.
His key assignments include Command Sergeant Major of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command (MIRC); Command Sergeant Major, 76th Division. - Operational Response Command; Command Sergeant Major, National Intelligence Support Group (BDE), MIRC; (dual hatted) Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) Theater Lead Military Analyst (Fwd) – Afghanistan and ISAF Joint Command CJ 3/7 (III Corps-USFOR-A) Sergeant Major; Command Sergeant Major, 413th Regiment, 1st Battalion, 80th Training Command; Operations Sergeant Major, Task Force Med, 82nd Airborne Div., CJTF-82, Afghanistan; First Sergeant, Alpha Company; 396th Combat Support Hospital, 2nd Medical Brigade; and Assistant Team Leader, 907th Engineer Detachment (Fire Fighter), Yakima Firing Center,70th Regional Readiness Command. His military campaigns include Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom VII, and Operation Enduring Freedom XII-III.
SGM Robinson’s significant military education includes Force Integration for Senior Leaders, Reserve Component National Security Course, Capabilities Development Course, Keystone Course, Nominative Leader Course, Joint Planners Orientation Seminar, Joint CWMD Planners Course (JCPC), Defense Support of Civil Authorities 1 & 2 (DSCA), Senior Enlisted Executive Force Management Course, Red Team Member Course, Army & NATO Lessons Learned Courses, Sergeants Major Course (Class 61), Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course (SJPMEII), Combatives Level II, First Sergeants Course, and Battle Staff Course.
SGM Robinson received a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington State University, a Master’s degree in Asymmetrical Warfare from American Military University (Honors), a degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis (Cum Laude) from Norwich University and a Certificate in Intelligence from Advanced Technical Intelligence Center.
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