Episode #2: NCO Development and Roles in Training
Transcript for this episode available here: CALL Podcast EP 2 Transcript (NCO Development and Roles in Training) [DOCX - 48.8 KB]
This episode of the Center for Army Lessons Learned Podcast features a discussion with Sergeant Major William Thacker on NCO development and training roles within the Army. The conversation centers on the critical role of NCOs in individual and collective training, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind tasks and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Sergeant Major Thacker highlights the need for leaders to balance professional development with practical training, stressing that effective NCOs are standard-bearers who prioritize foundational skills and adapt to evolving challenges. He shares experiences from recent deployments and training rotations, underscoring the value of realistic training scenarios and the importance of empowering NCOs to enforce standards and drive unit readiness. The podcast offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate a strong NCO corps capable of leading and training soldiers in complex environments.
Key Highlights: Developing NCOs, NCO roles in training, training as a forward deployed unit, best practices for collective and individual training guidance, CALL Handbook 25-04 (912): First 100 Days as an NCO, and CALL Handbook 25-12 (761): Home Station Training.
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Host: Mr. Jeremy Stermer is a military analyst at CALL at Fort Leavenworth. He retired as a LTC after 20 years of service as an Infantryman. His deployments include Bosnia, Iraq, and the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. He is a graduate of CGCS (08), Appalachian State University (BS 96) and Central Michigan University (MS 08).
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Guest: Command Sergeant Major William J Thacker
Command Sergeant Major William J. Thacker is a native of Ohio, where he entered the Army and graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky as a Tank Crewman.
CSM Thacker’s previous assignments include: Tank Driver/Gunner, L-Troop 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armor Calvary Regiment Fort Carson, Colorado; Tank Commander/Section Sergeant D-Company 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment Fort Carson, Colorado; Senior Drill Sergeant, E-Company 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Platoon Sergeant/First Sergeant, D-Company 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment Fort Bliss, Texas; First Sergeant, C-Company 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment Fort Bliss, Texas; First Sergeant HHC, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment Fort Bliss, Texas; First Sergeant HHC, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armor Division Fort Bliss, Texas; Operations Sergeant Major, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment Fort Benning, Georgia; Operations Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington; Command Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment Fort Riley, Kansas.
CSM Thacker’s military and civilian education includes all levels of the NCO Professional Development System and is a graduate of the Sergeants Major Course, Class 71. He is also a graduate of the Drill Sergeant School, Battle Staff, Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, and Battalion Pre-Command Course. CSM Thacker holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Excelsior College as well as a bachelor’s degree in leadership and Workforce Development from Command and General Staff College. CSM Thacker is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
CSM Thacker’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (7 knots), the National Defense Service medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (4 Stars), the Global War Expeditionary medal, the Global War Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5), the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (5), Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Driver Badge Wheel and Track, the Order of Saint George “Bronze Medallion,” and the order of Saint Maurice “Legionnaire Medallion.” His permanent unit awards include the Valorous Unit Award and the Army Superior Unit Award.
CSM Thacker is married to the former Melissa Ortega of El Paso, Texas. They have one son Austin (19 yrs), and three daughters Angelina (14 yrs), Sofia (11 yrs), Olivia (3 yrs).
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