A quote from G. Michael Hopf’s novel Those Who Remain reminds us that “hard times create strong men.” In the Army, this idea resonates deeply. The Army exists to prevail in the hardest of times, and victory is never accidental; it is built deliberately, day by day, leader by leader.
When we speak of a sergeant, we refer to the entire NCO corps, from sergeant to command sergeant major. When we talk about a Soldier, we mean anyone in an Army uniform: officers, NCOs, and junior enlisted alike. In the Army, strong sergeants make strong Soldiers. Strong Soldiers make strong squads. Strong squads win our nation’s wars.
What is a strong sergeant? A strong sergeant is a leader who is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; tactically and technically proficient; an expert in maintaining military equipment; and administratively ready — medically, financially, and organizationally. A strong sergeant is ready to deploy, fight, and win our nation’s wars and bring its Soldiers home safely.
Leadership by Example
Strong sergeants are the connective tissue between intent and action, doctrine and discipline. They do not merely enforce orders; they translate purpose into performance, understanding that leadership is about personal example, competence, and genuine care for Soldiers. When a sergeant embodies these qualities, Soldiers notice; standards become habits; and a sergeant becomes a strong sergeant.
Strong sergeants are the foundation of strong Soldiers. By setting the example and demanding excellence, strong sergeants ensure their Soldiers are prepared for the challenges of combat and life. Strong sergeants build strong Soldiers by insisting on mastery of the basics. Weapons proficiency, physical fitness, and small-unit tactics are not glamorous, but they are decisive.
In combat, Soldiers do not rise to the occasion; they fall back on their training. Training is the crucible where strong Soldiers are forged. Through rigorous and realistic training, strong sergeants prepare their Soldiers for the uncertainties of future conflicts. Strong sergeants who demand excellence by relentlessly coaching, correcting, and mentoring ensure that Soldiers are prepared to survive and to succeed under pressure. They create strong Soldiers who are confident, adaptable, and resilient.
Character and Cohesion
Equally important, strong sergeants develop character. The Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are not learned from posters, but rather are learned by watching leaders make tough calls, hold themselves accountable, and treat every Soldier with dignity. When strong sergeants model ethical behavior and personal courage, they produce strong Soldiers who can be trusted with immense responsibility in complex and ambiguous environments.
Strong Soldiers, shaped by strong sergeants, form strong squads. The squad is the Army’s foundational fighting element, where trust and cohesion are forged. A strong squad communicates clearly, moves with purpose and adapts quickly. Its Soldiers know their roles and trust one another because they have been trained, corrected, and challenged together. That cohesion is not accidental; it is the product of disciplined leadership and shared hardship under the steady guidance of a strong sergeant. Strong squads ensure that when the nation calls, the Army is ready to fight and win.
History consistently shows that wars are not won by technology alone, but by small units led well at the point of friction. Strong squads close with and destroy the enemy, secure terrain, and accomplish missions in chaotic and unforgiving environments. When squads are strong, platoons maneuver effectively. When platoons succeed, companies prevail. When companies prevail, the Army wins.
A Timeless Profession
In an era of rapid change, the Army continues to face hard times. This reality only reinforces the timeless truth of the profession: people matter most. Investing in strong sergeants — selecting them carefully, training them rigorously, and empowering them to lead — will pay dividends across the force.
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CSM Jacinto Garza assumed the duties as the 19th command sergeant major of U.S. Army Materiel Command on December 4, 2025. He serves as the principal advisor to the commanding general on all matters related to Soldiers, civilians, and their families. Prior to this role, he served as the sergeant major for Army Futures Command–National Capital Region. He entered the Army in September 1996. His military education includes being a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, and Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault Schools. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in government contracting and acquisition from American Military University.
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This article was published in the summer 2026 edition of Army Sustainment Professional Bulletin.
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