How did you become a Sergeant Major?

2018-03-23T18:00:38-04:00

Was is all about working hard and hanging with the Army for as long as possible, or was it a true compassion for the Army and soldiers under your direction and guidance? I'd like to hear the success stories and some insight on why you believe you made the list.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 6:02 PM

2018-03-23T18:02:55-04:00

Great question. Junior Soldiers need to be exposed to this.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-03-23T18:12:41-04:00

You mean beside just being mean and grumpy? :)

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 23 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-03-23T18:14:04-04:00

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 7:11 PM

2018-03-23T19:11:51-04:00

Good question I’m really interested in SGM giving their answers .

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Mar 23 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-03-23T19:46:52-04:00

Rule #1 for becoming SGM or CSM - keep people off the grass. Once that is taken care of, everything else falls into place.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 8:01 PM

2018-03-23T20:01:17-04:00

Other than back stabbing where is the legitmant answers

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Mar 23 at 2018 8:46 PM

2018-03-23T20:46:31-04:00

Hard work, luck, having a chip on my shoulder... a mish mosh of it all. I had no illusions when I was a young "paratrooper extraordinaire", but I found I had a knack for my job during Desert Shield/Storm. Once I became an NCO, I took virtually every unwanted job. Low expectations met with high speed low drag results. I found personal success breeds organizational success. Own everything within your sphere of responsibility/influence to include the failures that will come. You miss every shot you don't take. The experience I gained from the crap jobs provided me the knowledge to handle the varied tasks as I went up the ranks. I never compared myself to my peers, but rather those two grades higher. (I humbly own my ego) It pays to be a winner. Through all of that, though, I never really expected to be a 1SG let alone CSM. I was just doing what I could within my spheres to the best of my ability -- mission//soldiers --Did I drink the koolaid? Maybe, but it was natural - Read Malcolm Gladwell's BLINK. Never stop learning and adding tools to your kit. The skills will keep on benefiting you even after you exit the military. Finally, have fun, know your boots are going to get muddy when you embrace the suck; when it stopped being fun, I knew it was time to go.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 23 at 2018 9:21 PM

2018-03-23T21:21:46-04:00

Thumbs up to every E8-E9 out there. Tremendous accomplishment in a very harsh and competitive environment. The top 1% or less!

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 23 at 2018 9:24 PM

2018-03-23T21:24:11-04:00

CSM I worked for one of the greatest in history CSM Kittleson original Darby's Rangers, the inception of Delta and CSM of 7th SFG We called him Pappy and he was the man and treated me like I was his son... I could go on forever about how good a man he was. You do not make CSM without credit and I have worked with great ones after him. Just do you damned job is the outtake and advice there.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 23 at 2018 10:05 PM

2018-03-23T22:05:22-04:00

It deffinatley was not hanging in their as I made CSM in well below the average. It was more about loving what I did and taking care of Soldiers and Families. There is much more but this is the bases for how I got where I did. Wearing SGM then CSM for 14 years was an absolute labor of love. I love my country and I love Soldiers and all that comes with them.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 23 at 2018 11:01 PM

2018-03-23T23:01:55-04:00

You wake up angry, you unleash said anger on the world during the day, you go to bed angry and dream of punishing those who fail to meet a standard. Rinse and repeat and suddenly after many years you wake up a CSM or SGM

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 24 at 2018 5:15 AM

2018-03-24T05:15:19-04:00

Hard work, speaking up and the grace of God

Response by SGM Van Seagraves made Mar 24 at 2018 3:46 PM

2018-03-24T15:46:29-04:00

Hard work, dedication and love your troops but also be able to kick them in the ads when they need it. Also, have at least two captains for breakfast, a major for lunch and a KFC for dinner along with several young LEIll

Response by SGM Frank Marsh made Mar 24 at 2018 4:13 PM

2018-03-24T16:13:26-04:00

mine was a specialized MOS, not many NCOs in the top two. I maxed out civilian and military education and never had a black mark against me. many folks in my field spent a lifetime hovering over a microscope in a Medical Center or the school at Fort Sam. I opted for other avenues, volunteering for field units, getting experience as a medical NCO and Field First Sgt as well. I learned early on that the promotion board respected field experience. I had a 6 year break in service as well due to family crises so had to push harder and was older competing against younger troops. Any time I dealt with the "good old boy" syndrome, I didn't stay (no future), I moved on my requesting transfer or going back to school.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-03-24T16:33:30-04:00

Doing the hard right, over the easy wrong. It may sound cliche but you have got to be a leader, example and hard worker. You must live the Army values with particular emphasis on integrity, duty and honor. Above all, you must take care of Soldiers without regard to yourself.
Hardwork, discipline, patience and the respect of peers and superiors go without saying.
It’s not a rank that is in-achievable but it is difficult.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 12:28 AM

2018-03-25T00:28:05-04:00

It’s about passion for what you do. You have to find other NCOs that are stewards of the profession. You have to live the NCO creed and Army values everyday. Treat every Soldier both officers and enlisted personnel as if they were your brother, sister, mom, or dad. Never leave them uninformed. I made it through hard work and determination to be able to show my Soldiers what right or close to right looks like. Another thing is to seek peer review and constructive criticism. This information will enable you to grow as a leader. Finally remain humble because you cannot accomplish your goals and admirations without the help and support of those around you. I hope this answered your question.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Mar 25 at 2018 1:02 AM

2018-03-25T01:02:15-04:00

Do the best possible work you can at each position you are chosen for! Even those you really don't like. Ask for the very hard jobs that no one else wants and then succeed beyond anyone's best expectations. Example: I was on orders for Fort Hood from Panama. About 45 days prior to my leaving Panama I got what was called an emergency change of orders for needs of the Army. I was an SFC with three years TIG. Sent to Fort Drum, NY. I had house hunting permissive TDY orders. When I went to the housing office they said they were expecting me and my unit has emergency movement orders for me ASAP. A rear detachment 1LT met me at the housing office and informed me he was tasked to expedite my in processing and have me at the Air Force Base in 72 hours ready to deploy. He did it. My wife and kids in the guest house, general power of attorney for everything. Slept on a cot at AFB for two weeks waiting for space A flight to Samolia to help out with Black Hawk Down. Never got a flight. Since my unit was deployed I was assigned as 2ND BDE Combat team S3 NCOIC. There was no one else in the section so I did everything. I never had any complaints which amazed me since I had no clue when I went in but, got laudatory comments daily for figuring out how to get each item accomplished with no one else in my unit to ask. I used the phone a lot. My unit comes back and I get invited first thing into BN CDR's office. I reported and his first words to me were, So SFC Cook what the fuck is wrong with you? I told him I have no idea what he is talking about. He says you are the 9th Bn Commo NCOIC I have had since I took Command. One is in jail, I chaptered three out for being fat boys and I fired the other five for incompetence. So I told him I have some problems with a bad back but that is about it. He asked me how many pounds I thought I could hump on my back because it was a Light Infantry BN. I told him I am not sure but I think about 60 to 70 lbs. He said go get your back evaluated tomorrow on sick call and after the doctor checks you out tell him to call me on my office line so we can determine if you are fit enough to do the job. The doctor did and he gave me a temporary profile to not exceed 70 lbs in backpack. CDR told me to never carry over 60lbs. So I excelled at the job and everyone seemed more than pleased with my performance. I got superior rating on two NCOERs and initial board for MSG Comes up. I got picked up for MSG #18 sequence number Army wide out of hundreds, 168 total I believe. I pin on MSG in June while deployed to West Point for Cadet Summer Training. Get back to Drum in early September and get orders for immediate deployment to Haiti for Ton Ton Macoo ouster, we come back to Drum in early November. Competition is anounced for 1SG slot in C Company, 10th Sig Bn. 19 competitors I win competition hands down but Bn CDR doesn't want to release me because I did so well in the job. The BN XO and my Signal Officer convince him to release me as otherwise it would hurt my career. Besides I got in a high speed SSG that could do just as good a job as I did. He also excelled and got picked up initial SFC board. Two years in ISG position my four years at Drum were completely done. Reported to Fort Sill, Ok after 8 months in BN Commo slot For FA BN my 1SG retired and no MSG in the BN wanted the job of HHB 1SG. BN CSM offered me the position. I told him I didn't know the ins and outs of FA but I was a quick learner. He gave me the job. My first morning at PT the BN CDR comes to PT formation smoking mad because he got a message from the CSM that he was giving me the position. BN CDR fired me on the spot. Tells me to report to his office at 1800 that night. I turn the formation over to a SFC and run PT on my own as I am no longer the 1SG. That night the BN CDR tells me that after much consideration he is giving me the job back because no one else available is qualified to do the job. He tells me I am on probation and he will fire me in a heartbeat if I mess up. I did a pretty good job I guess by my NCOERs all superior ratings. Initial SGM board comes around I get picked up with a very low number and off to USASMA I go for SGM's course. I should also put in that I got honor grad or Commandant's list for every NCO advancement school I went to except the SGM's course as well as just about every other Army school I ever attended except two. I tore my rotator cuff while deployed to Iraq and with several doctors telling me there was little chance of success in surgery fixing it I retired after 27 years instead of being the SGM who can't do pushups or setups. I never figured out why my wife didn't divorce me because I was gone so often. She is still married to me after 35 years. That is a really long rant I hope it doesn't bore you too much. I hope it answers a few questions. If you still have any others just ask. I'll try to answer.

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made Mar 25 at 2018 2:30 AM

2018-03-25T02:30:35-04:00

I did what my Seniors/Mentors told me and that was to just do my job. I was in Class 64 of the Academy and roughly the average years in service was about 23 or 24. That was around the time the Army decided that more seasoned NCOs would be selected. My Enlisted and Officer Soldiers convinced me to stay in the Army a little longer. I wish that there was a set pattern but it is not. I have seen the NCOERS of some of the NCOs in my CMF that made MSG/1SG the sane time I did and when I was selected to attend the Sergeants Major Academy. Completely different. I have way more Soldier time than most but we all landed in the same place. Me, I just did my job.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 25 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-03-25T23:39:35-04:00

Great Question and I think it starts with you promotion to E5 Sgt and going to Airborne school and Ranger or SF if possible then do what you need to do to make E6 SSG at that point you need to start really being a leader and you can no longer be best friends with other guys you are a leader and take it from there.. Not being friends hanging out is different from taking care of your troops and at that point that is your job. I had one of the greatest CSM in history in the US CSM Kittleson, Son Tai Raid, Darby's Rangers CSM of 7th SFG and was like a father to me but I mess up and he would spank my ass. If you look you will see most CSM and senior offices have Airborne wings and Ranger Tabs. Think about that.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 26 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-03-26T17:08:41-04:00

Hard work, study and a bunch of good Soldiers. Approached every detail, task and mission as if the fate of the free world depended on it, from burning crap to building schools everything was important to do rite and well. I also paid attention to the MOS progression chart in the MOS book and worked to meet the education, training and assignments that were listed there at the time hacks listed.
My Dad told me when I made SGT that it wasn't about me from that day forward and about the guys. What they could , couldn't, or wouldn't do. The only ME thing was getting them to do everything as though it was important. I took it to heart and made everything about the guys succeeding. Unless something went poorly every conversation was we, us, and our. If something went bad it was me, my and mine. Take care of the Soldiers and they will take care of you.
I told SMA Gates one time at a job site when he asked if I had a mouse in my pocket because I used "we, and our" during a briefing to him on our squads project that the only time he'd hear "I, Me, or Mine" from me was if it was screwed up. Must have been the rite answer because I got a coin from him.

Response by CCMSgt Joe Dehorty made Apr 3 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-04-03T09:23:01-04:00

Since I retired in 1992, the title was Senior Enlisted Advisor, which in 1998 became Command Chief, with same responsibilities and duties. I was fortunate to move from squadron level to group headquarters and the new commander, whom I had worked for previously, made me the SEA over the six squadrons under group command.

Response by SFC Ronald Hebert made Apr 15 at 2018 7:16 PM

2018-04-15T19:16:15-04:00

Dedication, great EERs, continual training in fields of leadership and 'salht' etc. go hand in hand for making a Sergeant Major.

Response by SGM Wayne Bolen made Apr 16 at 2018 2:17 AM

2018-04-16T02:17:50-04:00

Always seeking responsibility! Taking advantage of military and civilian education opportunities even when this meant spending what little time I had off in school. Being dedicated to the mission, your soldiers welfare and the chain of command.

Response by SGM Thomas Terebesi Sr made Apr 18 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-04-18T15:53:02-04:00

Putting the organizations needs above my own. Having a passion for leadership. Going to every military school available to me. Always trying to master tasks given to me. Working hard at getting the best score possible on the APFT. These are some of the things that got me to the top of the list.

Response by SGM Jeffrey Hall made May 23 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-05-23T10:21:23-04:00

I followed the advice of my mentor, excelling in military education while balancing that with civilian education. In doing that, I made SGM despite the fact that I was not trying to make SGM. In other words, if you do the right thing, promotion boards recognize that. Oh, make sure you keep your ERB and photo up to date as well.

Response by MSG Richard C Finley made May 30 at 2018 9:58 AM

2018-05-30T09:58:56-04:00

I served for 20 yrs and I was very close to making SGM. while i was preparing to retire i had received my letter from the SGM Academy. i was the Ops Sgt of 4/64 Ar and my replacement had come in. so this is something i didn't expect at the time as i only had 3yrs in grade. So i had to put on my thinking cap and make a decision. during my 20yrs i kept my nose to the grindstone. i understand now according to one of the previous SGM of the Army that staff assignments are one of the requirements for promotion or a least it is a good thing to have under your belt. for me i had done it before as an SSG i was a Plt Sgt then a Bn Master Gunner and then later as a SFC i was the Bn Ops Sgt and Bn Master Gunner of 1/67 Ar 2nd AD. then in 1980 i was the G-3 Division Master Gunner of the 1st AD. Also during the 20yrs i had a massed a 3 inch binder full of Letters from Corp/Division/Brigade/Battalion/Company and Plt Sgts even one from NSA and and burials i had conducted. passion for the Army yes my Dad always pushed me to join and stay in for 20 from when i was 12 yrs old and that continued even while over the 20yrs. I know if he had still been a live when i retired he would have said stay in. Do i regret getting out at 20 yes. Gen Schwarzkopf asked me when i retired "Are You Sure You Want to Do This". And if it had been Gen Patton he would have said the same thing yes served under him to and he knew me. Knowledge/schools and take care of your troops.

Response by CSM Michael Hagan made Jun 1 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-06-01T17:29:47-04:00

Worked hard, listen to Soldiers I worked with, treated all Soldiers the way I would want to be treated and got lucky.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-06-04T11:46:06-04:00

Must know how to"Brown Nose" as well somewhat.

Response by CSM George Gattone made Jun 29 at 2018 7:14 PM

2018-06-29T19:14:45-04:00

From the beginning I sought out those NCO leaders that had the qualities that inspired me to do my best and tried to learn from them. Eventually one took me under his wing when I was a SGT and he a 1SG. I learned many lessons from him including the most important...get to know your people and really care for them, don’t just give lip service! From squad leader to CSM that was the best lesson I ever had. At battalion level I knew each Soldier by name, knew their spouses and kids, what their off duty interests and challenges were. By truly caring about them I earned their respect and trust. I never had to yell, berate, criticize or use any negative behavior to motivate. Because they trusted me and my officer leaders motivating them to do those difficult tasks came easy. Being beside them every step of the way was a key component to success also. From APFT’s to FTX’s to missions while deployed I did it all with them every time. This style led to above average NCOER’s whch in turn led to being consistently near the top of promotion lists and readily available for promotion at the next level.

Response by SGM Charles Twardzicki made Jul 1 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-07-01T20:36:14-04:00

Working one or two grades above rank. Accepting the jobs others decline. Go to every military school allowed. Work and excel in special duties, ie. Recruiting, Drill. Get that civilian education. Look in the mirror every morning and repeat your mantra. Mine was, "Today I will be the leader my soldiers deserve." Don't have profiles, fail PT, be on the overweight program!

Response by SGM J Bergquist made Jul 8 at 2018 12:01 PM

2018-07-08T12:01:54-04:00

I got lucky, I was put out on a medical and was retired at my promotion list grade! I guess you could say I'm just a SGM US Army Retired? It sure did help my Retirement Pay

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2019 9:58 PM

2019-08-08T21:58:56-04:00

It all starts with living army values (unless your in ARCD)

Response by SGM Bill Schroeter made Aug 11 at 2021 10:37 PM

2021-08-11T22:37:35-04:00

There is no one-size-fits-all answers here. Take and excel at all the opportunities given to you. You will be given them throughout your career make them ALL count.

REMEMBER OUR CREED…My two basic responsibilities will ALWAYS be uppermost in my mind - accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. Those are the beating heart of what it is to be a Soldier, an NCO and a SGM. NO ONE gets to the top alone, everything we do and are as Soldiers is perfectly summed up in - One team, One fight. Those of us lucky enough to have made it all know there was a LOT of good folks pushing us up from below. I love some of the other comments here, the couple that most stand out to me, take the hard right over the easy wrong & stand up for your Soldiers. I would only add to those EARN there loyalty…once you have a Soldier’s loyalty there is no mission that can’t be accomplished.

To all the Officers on this thread - us SGM/CSMs we’re always grumpy and angry because we always had to fix what y’all broke…LOL!

Response by SGM John Barnett made Apr 26 at 2023 1:27 PM

2023-04-26T13:27:53-04:00

I was fortunate I had a first sergeant that mentored the hell out of me. Well, I completed a I T he continued to instill in me the importance of military education not just the normal requirements, but to go beyond what was in the books. He adhered to the old adage. No question is a stupid question what is stupid is not asking the question. One of the things that struck me the most was I should also share what I have learned with others. That is the step to leader ship.