How did you become a Sergeant Major?

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.

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.

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.

Other than back stabbing where is the legitmant answers

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

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!

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

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

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

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