How did you become a Sergeant Major?

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.

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.

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

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.