Posted on Nov 29, 2017
Ray Chandler, 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, here for a live Q&A. What questions do you have for me?
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Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III was sworn in as the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army on March 1, 2011. SMA Chandler held a variety of leadership positions throughout his career ranging from tank crewman to command sergeant major. As Sergeant Major of the Army, Chandler served as the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on all enlisted‐related matters, particularly in areas affecting Soldier training and quality of life. He devoted the majority of his time to traveling throughout the Army observing training, and talking to Soldiers and their Families. He sat on a wide variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted Soldiers and their Families and is routinely invited to testify before Congress. Chandler was born in Whittier, California and entered the Army in Brockton, Massachusetts in September 1981. Chandler attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and graduated as a 19E Armor Crewman.
SMA Chandler served in all tank crewman positions and had multiple tours as a troop, squadron and regimental master gunner. He served in the 1st Infantry Division (FWD), 2d Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 3d Armor Division, 2d ACR, 3d ACR, U.S. Army Armor School, and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Chandler served as a 1SG in four different detachments, troops and companies. As a Sergeant Major, he served as Operations SGM in 1/2 ACR and as CSM in 1/7 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (OIF II 2004‐2005), United States Army Garrison Fort Leavenworth, KS and the United States Army Armor School CSM. Chandler was assigned as the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy CSM in December 2007. In June 2009, Chandler became the 19th Commandant of USASMA and the first enlisted commandant in USASMA history. SMA Chandler's military and civilian education included all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, M60A3 and M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, First Sergeant Course, Basic Instructor Training, Total Army Instructor Trainer Course, Small Group Instructor Trainer Course, Video Tele‐Training Instructor Trainer Course, Army Management Staff Course, Garrison Command Sergeant Major Course and various other professional development courses. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University.
In February 2015, SMA (R) Chandler was appointed By Senator Jack Reed D-RI to serve on the National Commission on the Future of the Army (http://www.ncfa.ncr.gov/) as a commissioner. The commission submitted its report to President Obama and to the 114th Congress on January 28, 2016 and was released from commission duty on April 28, 2016. On June 1, 2015 SMA Chandler was hired by Lockheed Martin as a business development principal analyst and live in Orlando, Florida. Chandler continues to serve after retirement on various boards and councils. They include the Camaraderie Foundation (camaraderiefoundation.org), the First Data Corporation Military Advisory Council (firstdata.org) and American Securities (american-securities.com). SMA Chandler spends his free time travel, sampling craft beers and good bourbon.
SMA Chandler served in all tank crewman positions and had multiple tours as a troop, squadron and regimental master gunner. He served in the 1st Infantry Division (FWD), 2d Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 3d Armor Division, 2d ACR, 3d ACR, U.S. Army Armor School, and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Chandler served as a 1SG in four different detachments, troops and companies. As a Sergeant Major, he served as Operations SGM in 1/2 ACR and as CSM in 1/7 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (OIF II 2004‐2005), United States Army Garrison Fort Leavenworth, KS and the United States Army Armor School CSM. Chandler was assigned as the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy CSM in December 2007. In June 2009, Chandler became the 19th Commandant of USASMA and the first enlisted commandant in USASMA history. SMA Chandler's military and civilian education included all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, M60A3 and M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, First Sergeant Course, Basic Instructor Training, Total Army Instructor Trainer Course, Small Group Instructor Trainer Course, Video Tele‐Training Instructor Trainer Course, Army Management Staff Course, Garrison Command Sergeant Major Course and various other professional development courses. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University.
In February 2015, SMA (R) Chandler was appointed By Senator Jack Reed D-RI to serve on the National Commission on the Future of the Army (http://www.ncfa.ncr.gov/) as a commissioner. The commission submitted its report to President Obama and to the 114th Congress on January 28, 2016 and was released from commission duty on April 28, 2016. On June 1, 2015 SMA Chandler was hired by Lockheed Martin as a business development principal analyst and live in Orlando, Florida. Chandler continues to serve after retirement on various boards and councils. They include the Camaraderie Foundation (camaraderiefoundation.org), the First Data Corporation Military Advisory Council (firstdata.org) and American Securities (american-securities.com). SMA Chandler spends his free time travel, sampling craft beers and good bourbon.
Q&A
1st CAV
Military service
Government Administration
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 43
Hey everyone thanks for your questions. All of my answers will be my own, aren't screened by the Department of the Army and are just my thoughts. Thanks to Rally Point for this awesome opportunity!!
CPT Aaron Kletzing
Awesome, this is gonna be great!
SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
Wonderful that you are taking the time for all of us here SMA!
I am curious as to your opinions on the current transgender policies in the military. Speaking from someone who has been at the very top of the chain and privy to the creation of policy, what are your views in regards to allowing for the open service of transgender service members? Do you believe that the government should be paying the bill for any medical procedures dealing with this condition? Do you believe that there is even a way to incorporate these service members into the system without compromising standards or operating procedures? Lastly, with accepting applicants with a documented mental/behavioral health condition, such as transgenderism, do you think that this might open the door for other less than qualified applicants to site these cases as a reason for their own issues to be overlooked when entering service? May this also occur with service members who have served and were forced to be discharged or medically retired for certain mental/behavioral health concerns as well?
MAJ Tel-Jonah Stern
Politics and personal opinions aside, the Sgt’s question is a very good question. Trans female->male are now disadvantaged.
SSG Dave Johnston
The "Transgender" question is a catch 22 to anyone who is Active duty, including reserve component, that is willing to answer it.
1. A "Psych" eval would be required to determine ones orientation,[ see https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/howmanychromosomes] like it or not the "transgender" question will always be "is they is, or is they ain't"(sorry; jazz, be-bop). The orientation must be determined for placement and retention
2. Male to Female: in a closed [male only] military skill; reclass?Side bar{can females perform as infantry,[truth, not PC?]} The U.S. Marines already tested a "mixed" gender unit of infantry with a degraded results in a mixed gender unit.
Or force the Services to open all skill sets to all comers.
3. Female to Male or Male to Female: Since HGH will be required during the course of Service for the individual to meet the standards of a "Closed" Military skill set, Should those "hormones" be maintained in the theaters formulary pharmacy while the individual is deployed? "Doc" already has enough on 'his' plate, why add to it.
Ok, members of the transgender community want to serve and continue serving but, "The needs of the many..."
4. Should DOD require, or the Courts force, the services to accept transgendered individuals to remain in or initially enlist in the Armed Forces.
Combat is Jazz, once contact is made all bets are off and regardless of training leaders and leadership develop under stress. Is there really a need to add to it?
1. A "Psych" eval would be required to determine ones orientation,[ see https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/howmanychromosomes] like it or not the "transgender" question will always be "is they is, or is they ain't"(sorry; jazz, be-bop). The orientation must be determined for placement and retention
2. Male to Female: in a closed [male only] military skill; reclass?Side bar{can females perform as infantry,[truth, not PC?]} The U.S. Marines already tested a "mixed" gender unit of infantry with a degraded results in a mixed gender unit.
Or force the Services to open all skill sets to all comers.
3. Female to Male or Male to Female: Since HGH will be required during the course of Service for the individual to meet the standards of a "Closed" Military skill set, Should those "hormones" be maintained in the theaters formulary pharmacy while the individual is deployed? "Doc" already has enough on 'his' plate, why add to it.
Ok, members of the transgender community want to serve and continue serving but, "The needs of the many..."
4. Should DOD require, or the Courts force, the services to accept transgendered individuals to remain in or initially enlist in the Armed Forces.
Combat is Jazz, once contact is made all bets are off and regardless of training leaders and leadership develop under stress. Is there really a need to add to it?
SSG Dave Johnston
Since AR 40-501"Standards of Medical Fitness", is used by MEPS, sorry 3 year assignment to LA MEPS, do any of these conditions apply? AR 40-501, Chap 2, 2-14 a. (5), b.(1), (5), d. And 2-27, d. (1),(2), e., g., [j.], n. or is DOD going to eliminate the above mentioned.
Wow, SMA Ray Chandler is doing a Q&A with all of us on RP. That is so awesome. What an honor to have him join us here, can’t wait to see all the stuff he writes. America!
SMA Ray Chandler
Greetings SMA!
I would love to know your thoughts on the role/influence social media groups such as U.S. Army W.T.F! Moments serve in relation to supporting service members. I'm sure you have heard or seen one or more posts that have blown up and either spurred a 15-6 or brought one to light. I believe initially these types of groups were primarily used and viewed as an outlet and source of humor. Obviously, that role/influence has changed/evolved/etc.
Do you believe the evolving influence is more of a positive or negative one? Why or why not?
Greetings SMA!
I would love to know your thoughts on the role/influence social media groups such as U.S. Army W.T.F! Moments serve in relation to supporting service members. I'm sure you have heard or seen one or more posts that have blown up and either spurred a 15-6 or brought one to light. I believe initially these types of groups were primarily used and viewed as an outlet and source of humor. Obviously, that role/influence has changed/evolved/etc.
Do you believe the evolving influence is more of a positive or negative one? Why or why not?
SMA Ray Chandler
per my previous response I don't have any issue with these outlets until Soldiers cross the professionalism line and embarrass the Army and themselves.
First and foremost- thank you SMA for visiting with us and sharing your valuable time.
I am an Air Guard guy and over the last year I have spent time working with our Army brethren on our State's SPP with Kosovo. While we have worked really hard to make in-roads into this Army centric program, we made some some great progress to unifying Team Iowa last year. I have a great working relationship with the outgoing Army Coordinator and now we are making new contacts with the new guy. Curious on your vision for more "purple" exercises to continue to the one team one fight construct.
Thanks again for joining us here on RP.
I am an Air Guard guy and over the last year I have spent time working with our Army brethren on our State's SPP with Kosovo. While we have worked really hard to make in-roads into this Army centric program, we made some some great progress to unifying Team Iowa last year. I have a great working relationship with the outgoing Army Coordinator and now we are making new contacts with the new guy. Curious on your vision for more "purple" exercises to continue to the one team one fight construct.
Thanks again for joining us here on RP.
SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano
"...continue to the one team one fight construct." I'm curious to hear this answer. Thanks for asking the question.
SMA Ray Chandler
There are plenty of joint exercises around the globe. Many are constructive at very high levels, not so many at the strategic level. I support these exercises wholeheartedly.
SMA Chandler thanks for coming to Rallypoint!
Gotta get the first question out of the way....Are you still watching?
My follow on questions are:
1. With all of the issues the Army is facing from quality troop recruitment, to training and training budgets, to quality of life issues, why is it that it seems the focus is in the wrong place? I remember when we went from Class A's to ASU's. Folks went nuts along with the change from BDU's to ACU's. Now, from ASU's to the Pink and Greens (proposed but supposedly going to happen). The Army for one, but the military as a whole is focused on "looking good, vs. BEING good". Any input as to why? Is there a rhyme and a reason behind this?
2. I've watched as the SGM/CSM ranks have become more accepting to women now compared to when I came in back in the 90's. I also got to see women get farther along in the flag ranks, with GEN Dunwoody as the first female four star. What I have NOT seen is a female nominee for SMA, ANY Div CDR/CSM, Combatant commander or their Senior Enlisted Advisors. No service Chiefs or in the Army's case, the SMA, and not many even in their Senior Staff. Is there a prerequisite to becoming any of what I listed? Why is it only Combat Arms gets these leadership positions when there is no longer a "front line of battle", and women now are in equal chance of being in harms way than ever before? They attend the same leadership schools as us, attend the same specialty schools as us (Ranger being a big one, SF will be the next hurdle), and are side by side with their male counterparts in training, mentoring, welfare of the troops and families, promotion potential, yet are still regulated to "support roles" in upper leadership positions. When are we fully going to integrate women into the ranks beyond COL and a token flag officer?
3. With all that is going on in NK and the world, I'm noticing another heavy push to swell the ranks. I'm of the belief this is needed to maintain our role as leaders and maintainers of freedom in this world, but I fear we're going to have this massive build up of troops, equipment, and technology across the board, and suddenly like before have a sequestration pt2. I believe it'll hit harder the next time, but have not seen anything from any of the major military sites or leadership addressing this. It seems they're pushing out the message "We WANT you now", but not talking about the future of "We don't NEED you, or you, or you anymore". Have you heard differently?
I apologize for the long questions, but it's not everyday the SMA pops up anywhere...even on Ft. Myer where you can stop and talk to him.
Duty First SMA!!
Gotta get the first question out of the way....Are you still watching?
My follow on questions are:
1. With all of the issues the Army is facing from quality troop recruitment, to training and training budgets, to quality of life issues, why is it that it seems the focus is in the wrong place? I remember when we went from Class A's to ASU's. Folks went nuts along with the change from BDU's to ACU's. Now, from ASU's to the Pink and Greens (proposed but supposedly going to happen). The Army for one, but the military as a whole is focused on "looking good, vs. BEING good". Any input as to why? Is there a rhyme and a reason behind this?
2. I've watched as the SGM/CSM ranks have become more accepting to women now compared to when I came in back in the 90's. I also got to see women get farther along in the flag ranks, with GEN Dunwoody as the first female four star. What I have NOT seen is a female nominee for SMA, ANY Div CDR/CSM, Combatant commander or their Senior Enlisted Advisors. No service Chiefs or in the Army's case, the SMA, and not many even in their Senior Staff. Is there a prerequisite to becoming any of what I listed? Why is it only Combat Arms gets these leadership positions when there is no longer a "front line of battle", and women now are in equal chance of being in harms way than ever before? They attend the same leadership schools as us, attend the same specialty schools as us (Ranger being a big one, SF will be the next hurdle), and are side by side with their male counterparts in training, mentoring, welfare of the troops and families, promotion potential, yet are still regulated to "support roles" in upper leadership positions. When are we fully going to integrate women into the ranks beyond COL and a token flag officer?
3. With all that is going on in NK and the world, I'm noticing another heavy push to swell the ranks. I'm of the belief this is needed to maintain our role as leaders and maintainers of freedom in this world, but I fear we're going to have this massive build up of troops, equipment, and technology across the board, and suddenly like before have a sequestration pt2. I believe it'll hit harder the next time, but have not seen anything from any of the major military sites or leadership addressing this. It seems they're pushing out the message "We WANT you now", but not talking about the future of "We don't NEED you, or you, or you anymore". Have you heard differently?
I apologize for the long questions, but it's not everyday the SMA pops up anywhere...even on Ft. Myer where you can stop and talk to him.
Duty First SMA!!
SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano
Outstanding questions. Thank you for asking them. I actually learned a lot just from your questions.
SMA - throughout my career (including my prior service time), I've come across NCOs that both exemplified the idea of a leader, and others that just want to do their job. With this in mind, has the Army ever considered bringing back the old Specialist E-4 - E-7 ranks and encouraging Soldiers to increase proficiency on their corps jobs? Not all Soldiers (including some officers) are not leader material and IMHO should not be forced to be leader/NCO if they don't have the potential or enthusiasm to. Case in point - I had a SSG in my engineer platoon who was happy pushing dirt with his dozer. He had no desire to be a PSG or even a SSG. He just wanted to push dirt and was good at it. I got in trouble by the BN SGM putting his desires on his NCOER.
I would say pay would not be an issue, so what would be the underlying reason they has not be pursued or even raised?
BTW - I ran into you at the DD/McDonalds/Taco Bell food court in the Pentagon during my tour. Pretty surreal from my POV. I think you were like - "who the hell is this guy? I just want to eat my lunch" lol.
I would say pay would not be an issue, so what would be the underlying reason they has not be pursued or even raised?
BTW - I ran into you at the DD/McDonalds/Taco Bell food court in the Pentagon during my tour. Pretty surreal from my POV. I think you were like - "who the hell is this guy? I just want to eat my lunch" lol.
SMA Ray Chandler
LOL thanks Sir. Once the army made a decision that all specialist rank above E4 would convert to NCOs I don’t think there was a path to go back. The Army wanted Leaders and experts out of the NCO Corps not a dual track system. From my foxhole that was the right choice. If someone is technically proficient but not a good leader I don’t think we should afford to keep them one the roles so to speak. Good Luck!
SMA Chandler, what is the sentiment concerning the Army adopting new changes and various social media platforms? Is the pace that they're being approached substantial?
SMA Ray Chandler
SGT Williams thanks for the question. Social media is a part of our society and therefore should be a part of how the military communicates both internally and externally. What truly bothers me is when its used to attack people. For me if you don't have enough guts to say it to my face then you really lack integrity and personal courage
SMA Ray Chandler who was your mentor in the Army and what was the biggest thing you learned from him/her?
SMA Ray Chandler I am a Vietnam veteran and was wondering how do you feel about how we were treated when we returned due to the medias portraying us as drug addicts and baby killers? My own future father in law asked me when I first met him, I told him I did four year on active duty in Korea and Vietnam. He told me he was Army in WWII and then asked me if I was a baby killer or drug addict. I was dumbfounded when he asked that and while I remember that question from him all too well, I do not recall what my response was. I certainly wasn't either. Alcoholic maybe, but that question didn't come up! Thank yo for your distinguished service to this great nation in a position of great responsibility.
SSG Antoinette Azevedo Toscano
SFC William Farrell, I am so sorry that service members in your era were treated with such disrespect. Thank you for your service--I appreciate you.
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