Leveraging Command Sergeants Major and Operations Sergeants Major

Download the full release here: No. 26-1127, Leveraging Command Sergeants Major and Operations Sergeants Major (Apr 26) [PDF - 2.7 MB]

Foreword

For every graduate of the Sergeants Major Course (SMC) and every commander they will serve alongside, this article should be considered a foundational text. It moves beyond theory and offers a clear, actionable framework for building the kind of noncommissioned officer (NCO)–officer relationship that thrives in the chaos of modern battle—two different perspectives that, alone, offers moderate success, but combined as a complete package, allows a good unit to achieve greatness.

The vignettes contained within, particularly “A Tale of Two Defenses,” are not mere illustrations; they are a stark warning. The difference between holding the line and breaking is not the quality of the order or the sophistication of the command and control (C2) system. The difference is the combined leadership of the officer and NCO. It is commanders who intentionally create the space for their senior NCOs to contribute and NCOs who have the courage and competence to step into that space.

This work makes a powerful case that we can no longer afford to leave this critical partnership to chance or personality. It must be a deliberate, practiced, and institutionalized behavior. As commandant of the U.S. Army NCO Academy, I charge every senior NCO to read this product, internalize its lessons, and arrive at their next unit prepared to be the proactive, invaluable partner this article describes and your unit demands. Do not wait for permission; integrate immediately and showcase the position of sergeant major as a combat multiplier. Likewise, I urge every commander to recognize the immense combat power resident in their sergeants major. The trust you build with them before the first shot is fired will be your most decisive asset when it matters most.

CSM Tammy M. Everette
Commandant
U.S. Army NCO Academy