Content — Page 2 of 6 — The NCO Guide

Taming Technology

August 23, 2017January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

In this connected world, today’s military Leaders may often find themselves distracted in a sea of technology. One moment we are turning on our first computer with excitement and the next we are juggling multiple unit-issued phones, tablets and personal devices, computer email on multiple secure open and private networks, and social media requirements that can all lead to “digital... Read More

Why do we sing in formation?

June 12, 2017January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

You can thank Pvt. Willie Duckworth. The tech manual for marching is FM 3-21.5 (FM 22-5 for you old farts), and it says: Sing In Formation “To enable soldiers to learn or maintain cadence and develop rhythm, the instructor should have them count cadence while marching. a. To count cadence while marching at quick time, the instructor gives the preparatory command, Count... Read More

SMA George Dunaway, In Memorium

February 6, 2017January 16, 2018 Dan Elder

From a tribute I wrote at the time of his loss: Soldiers are saddened to learn of the passing of the 2nd Sergeant Major of the Army SMA (Ret.) George W. Dunaway who served as SMA between September 1968 to September 1970. Born July 24, 1922, in Richmond, VA, SMA Dunaway enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Division... Read More

Epi 19, Interview with CSM Terry Burton, USACRC CSM

February 5, 2017January 16, 2018 Dan Elder

In this episode, host CSM (Ret) Dan Elder sits down with the current US Army Combat Readiness Center Command Sergeant Major, CSM Terry Burton, and asks him about his role as the senior enlisted advisor of the unique command. Dan asks a number of questions ranging from how the CRC impacts Army readiness, what are some of the trends seen by... Read More

An Excerpt: Advice from the Veterans Hiring Toolkit

February 1, 2017January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

America’s Heroes at Work — Veterans Hiring Toolkit Did You Know? Many civilian employers have admitted challenges when it comes to evaluating a Veteran during a job interview. This is often because Veterans have difficulty explaining how their military experience relates to the needs of the civilian employer. Additionally, while Veterans will be quick to praise their team or unit,... Read More

Episode #18, Caring Leaders

December 24, 2016March 10, 2018 Dan Elder

In this month’s podcast, we highlight that Army finally beats Navy and a new Secretary of Army is proposed. The podcast topic this month is about caring leadership and we offer tips to consider to ensure that your actions match your statements. I talk about 5 considerations Army noncommissioned officer should consider when it comes to building enriched relationships with subordinate,... Read More

Remembering Sergeant Elvis Aaron Presley

December 3, 2016January 16, 2018 Dan Elder

Sergeant Elvis Aaron Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, served with honor in the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor, 3d Armored Division in Germany as an assistant squad leader. On March 24, 1958, the “King” became Private Presley when he was inducted into the Army at the Memphis Draft Board. He reported to Fort Hood, Texas, and received basic... Read More

SMA William G. Bainbridge, In Memorium

November 29, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

It’s been 8-years since we lost a great soldier, this is the day of SMA #5 Bill Bainbridge’s passing. Enlisted in 1943, he was held as a POW in WWII, served in Vietnam, and was the first CSM of the newly formed Sergeants Major Academy. Married to Hazel for 63-years, he was laid to rest in Arlington on January 29,... Read More

Lessons of von Steuben – Thoughts from the Past

November 27, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

Thoughts from the Past We all have seen images of downtrodden soldiers at Washington’s encampment in 1778 at Valley Forge…soldiers who were underclothed and resorted to rags wrapped around their feet because there were not enough shoes to go around. By all accounts, the Army was downhearted and disorganized, and Washington was in need of an effective fighting force. Enter... Read More

2009 – THE YEAR OF THE NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

November 20, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

First Region of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) saluted noncommissioned officers for their outstanding service to the nation during the 2nd Year of the NCO in 2009. As part of that recognition, the Region commissioned known artist Jim Ryan, who has produced my signature prints and released them during their annual conference. In the accompanying proclamation that went... Read More

The SMA office and position turned 50 this year…

November 6, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

…AND NO ONE NOTICED. FOR TODAY’S SOLDIERS, THE POSITION OF SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY APPEARS AS NATURAL AS A SQUAD LEADER. But 50 short years ago it was not so. It was on the Fourth of July 1966 that the Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Harold K. Johnson approved the establishment of the position of Sergeant Major... Read More

The Sergeant’s Book

October 27, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

This “Sergeant’s Book” was written in 1982 by CSM Robert L. Haga, then DCSM of the 3rd Armored Division. It was republished by my Regimental CSM when I was in the 12th Calvary Regt about 10-years later and it was issued to all the NCOs. I have kept this copy because though it is a bit dated, it seemed to... Read More

Change of Responsibility Script

October 24, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CHANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY Script CEREMONY SEQUENCE OF EVENTS BAND: From 1045 until 1100 plays appropriate music, and the Color Guard takes its initial position. PARTICIPATING UNITS: All MSC/Battalion/Company, the Honor Company, and HHC, Your Unit Name on the final line at “Parade Rest” NLT 1050 hours. NARRATOR: At 1058 announces “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES. ... Read More

Spinning Flags at Change of Command

September 27, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

There are some ceremonies like the company change of command and the change of responsibility that have some key elements that are not clearly defined, so finding “a standard” is sometimes impossible. In many cases with large formations, it is usually the senior mission command HQs that creates a local policy when it comes to the gray areas surrounding ceremonies but... Read More

The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

August 30, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

The Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), or SEAC, is a military position within the United States Department of Defense and is the most senior noncommissioned or petty officer overall in the United States Armed Forces. The SEAC is appointed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to serve as... Read More

Historic First: A Medal for Sgt. William H. Carney

July 4, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

Sgt. William H. Carney Born in 1840 to a slave mother in Norfolk, Virginia, who was later freed upon her owner’s death in 1854, William H. Carney eventually settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts and prepared himself to enter the ministry. 8 In 1863 the Union Army began to organize colored units, and one of the first was the 54th Massachusetts... Read More

Last recipient of the Badge of Military Merit: SGT Daniel Bissell

June 30, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

SGT Daniel Bissell Daniel Bissell, the eldest son of Daniel and Elizabeth Bissell of Windsor, Connecticut, was born December 30, 1754. When the Revolution began he enlisted in the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line, where his “sterling qualities of head and heart speedily gained the esteem of his comrades and the confidence of his officers.” He became a sergeant... Read More

Short History of the Specialist Rank

June 16, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

When considering the discussion for reintroducing of senior specialist ranks to the US Army one must reflect on the trials and tribulations of the past. Here is a short history of the US Army Specialist by CSM (Ret.) Dan Elder. The Specialist Rank When Washington assumed the role as Commander in Chief of the fledgling Continental Army in 1775, it... Read More

Inspire Recruits and Capture our Legacy

May 11, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

With over 80-percent of the military force structure enlisted soldiers it is a fair assumption to say that “most people” in the military started their Army affiliation with a recruiter. There are few things that tie the brother-and-sisterhood together than the enlistment process and that starts off with the first interaction with a recruiter. Whether self initiated, advised by a family... Read More

US Army Highly Qualified Enlisted Expert

March 24, 2016January 17, 2018 Dan Elder

Why not maximize Noncommissioned Officer talent post-military service? Challenge Today’s Army does not have ready access to a select group of highly qualified former enlisted leaders who possess the intellectual capacity, wisdom, and expertise to assist the Force in short-term, and often complicated projects. In cultivating Soldiers for Life surely talent management does not end at retirement? The type of expertise often... Read More