How did you become a Sergeant Major?

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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