Posted on May 9, 2017
SMA Ken Preston and CSM Troy Welch coming by on 5/16 for a live Q&A. What questions do you have for us?
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*RP Staff Will Be Monitoring This Discussion*
From RP Staff: RallyPoint is honored to host a live Q&A with both SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch. Thanks to AUSA, these two leaders have offered to stop by RP Tuesday afternoon, May 16th, to discuss leadership, the Army, AUSA, and more. Please post your questions below!
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit organization dedicated to the professional success of our Army. For over 66 years, AUSA has gathered tens of thousands of loyal members across 119 chapters in a mission to serve our Soldiers as they advance the security of our nation. Strengthen their force and join today. http://www.ausa.org/join
About CSM Welch:
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Troy Welch entered active duty in June, 1977. He enlisted as a Food Service Specialist (94B later changed to 92G). Welch served in every leadership position from First Cook, Shift Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major. After serving 30 years, CSM Welch retired in July, 2007. His last tours of duty included Command Sergeant Major, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea and Eighth United States Army, and the first Army G4 Sergeant Major. CSM Welch is the first Food Service Specialist to serve at the Major Command Level.
About SMA Preston:
Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston served as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 15, 2004 to March 1, 2011. He retires as the longest serving Sergeant Major of the Army with more than seven years in the position.
As Sergeant Major of the Army, Preston served as the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on all Soldier and Family related matters, particularly areas affecting Soldier training and quality of life. He devoted the majority of his time in this position to traveling throughout the Army serving as a force provider for leaders at all levels of responsibility, overseeing Soldier and unit training, manning and equipping challenges, and talking to Soldiers and their Families to understand their needs, personal hardships and challenges serving a Nation at war.
Preston is a native of Mount Savage, Md. He entered the Army on June 30, 1975. He attended Basic Training and Armor Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Throughout his 36-year career, he served in every enlisted leadership position from cavalry scout and tank commander to his final position as Sergeant Major of the Army. Other assignments he held as a command sergeant major were with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division; 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; 1st Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany; and V Corps in Heidelberg, Germany.
His most recent assignment prior to serving as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army was as the command sergeant major for Combined Joint Task Force 7 in Baghdad, Iraq.
His military education includes the Basic Noncommissioned Officer's Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer's Course, First Sergeant's Course, M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Course, and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. Preston holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Trident University International.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal 11th award, National Defense ribbon with bronze star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCOES Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon 5th award, the NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with bronze star, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Department of the Army Staff Badge.
He continues to support military service members and their families through his volunteer work serving on the Board of Directors for the United Services Organization (USO); Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit organization assisting severely injured Veterans and their families by raising money, building materials and professional labor, and by coordinating the process of building a home at no cost to the Veterans and their families; the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, the Armed Forces Benefit Association, the Army Historical Foundation, and the Armor and Cavalry Historical Foundation. He volunteers as the parish treasurer for Saint George’s Episcopal Church in Mount Savage, MD.
He serves as the vice-chairman of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) and is a member of the Army and Air Force Exchange Retiree Council. He continues to support soldiers and their families as the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
From RP Staff: RallyPoint is honored to host a live Q&A with both SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch. Thanks to AUSA, these two leaders have offered to stop by RP Tuesday afternoon, May 16th, to discuss leadership, the Army, AUSA, and more. Please post your questions below!
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit organization dedicated to the professional success of our Army. For over 66 years, AUSA has gathered tens of thousands of loyal members across 119 chapters in a mission to serve our Soldiers as they advance the security of our nation. Strengthen their force and join today. http://www.ausa.org/join
About CSM Welch:
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Troy Welch entered active duty in June, 1977. He enlisted as a Food Service Specialist (94B later changed to 92G). Welch served in every leadership position from First Cook, Shift Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major. After serving 30 years, CSM Welch retired in July, 2007. His last tours of duty included Command Sergeant Major, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea and Eighth United States Army, and the first Army G4 Sergeant Major. CSM Welch is the first Food Service Specialist to serve at the Major Command Level.
About SMA Preston:
Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston served as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 15, 2004 to March 1, 2011. He retires as the longest serving Sergeant Major of the Army with more than seven years in the position.
As Sergeant Major of the Army, Preston served as the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on all Soldier and Family related matters, particularly areas affecting Soldier training and quality of life. He devoted the majority of his time in this position to traveling throughout the Army serving as a force provider for leaders at all levels of responsibility, overseeing Soldier and unit training, manning and equipping challenges, and talking to Soldiers and their Families to understand their needs, personal hardships and challenges serving a Nation at war.
Preston is a native of Mount Savage, Md. He entered the Army on June 30, 1975. He attended Basic Training and Armor Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Throughout his 36-year career, he served in every enlisted leadership position from cavalry scout and tank commander to his final position as Sergeant Major of the Army. Other assignments he held as a command sergeant major were with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division; 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; 1st Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany; and V Corps in Heidelberg, Germany.
His most recent assignment prior to serving as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army was as the command sergeant major for Combined Joint Task Force 7 in Baghdad, Iraq.
His military education includes the Basic Noncommissioned Officer's Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer's Course, First Sergeant's Course, M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Course, and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. Preston holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Trident University International.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal 11th award, National Defense ribbon with bronze star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCOES Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon 5th award, the NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with bronze star, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Department of the Army Staff Badge.
He continues to support military service members and their families through his volunteer work serving on the Board of Directors for the United Services Organization (USO); Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit organization assisting severely injured Veterans and their families by raising money, building materials and professional labor, and by coordinating the process of building a home at no cost to the Veterans and their families; the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, the Armed Forces Benefit Association, the Army Historical Foundation, and the Armor and Cavalry Historical Foundation. He volunteers as the parish treasurer for Saint George’s Episcopal Church in Mount Savage, MD.
He serves as the vice-chairman of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) and is a member of the Army and Air Force Exchange Retiree Council. He continues to support soldiers and their families as the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
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RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!
RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH CSM KENNETH PRESTON AND CSM TROY WELCH ON MAY 16, 2017 IN THE AFTERNOON.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT LEADERSHIP, THE ARMY, AUSA AND MUCH MORE.
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHIES ON BOTH THESE GREAT WARRIORS ABOVE IN THE ORIGINAL POST BY THE RALLYPOINT STAFF:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/sma-ken-preston-and-csm-troy-welch-coming-by-on-5-16-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-us
THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.
YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CAPT Michael MoranClaudio AlpacaSgt Bruce C.[988439:SSgt James Carter]1LT J Neil JednoralskiMSgt Guillermo Ybarra III (HVAC Recruiter)1SG James MatthewsCOL Brian Ludera
RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH CSM KENNETH PRESTON AND CSM TROY WELCH ON MAY 16, 2017 IN THE AFTERNOON.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT LEADERSHIP, THE ARMY, AUSA AND MUCH MORE.
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHIES ON BOTH THESE GREAT WARRIORS ABOVE IN THE ORIGINAL POST BY THE RALLYPOINT STAFF:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/sma-ken-preston-and-csm-troy-welch-coming-by-on-5-16-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-us
THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.
YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CAPT Michael MoranClaudio AlpacaSgt Bruce C.[988439:SSgt James Carter]1LT J Neil JednoralskiMSgt Guillermo Ybarra III (HVAC Recruiter)1SG James MatthewsCOL Brian Ludera
SMA Ken Preston and CSM Troy Welch coming by on 5/16 for a live Q&A. What questions do you have...
*RP Staff Will Be Monitoring This Discussion* From RP Staff: RallyPoint is honored to host a live Q&A with both SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch. Thanks to AUSA, these two leaders have offered to stop by RP Tuesday afternoon, May 16th, to discuss leadership, the Army, AUSA, and more. Please post your questions below! The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit organization dedicated to the...
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SFC (Join to see)
Sergeants Major,
My question is: can we integrate NCOES and both OPD and NCOPD under the USMA for credentialing and credit? The other services (specifically, the Air Force community college) seem to have much more robust professional development programs that not only generate more proficiency along ones career, but also afford college credit for participants.
This helps both active duty and transitioning Soldiers, and in my opinion will give more prestige to the enlisted education system.
My question is: can we integrate NCOES and both OPD and NCOPD under the USMA for credentialing and credit? The other services (specifically, the Air Force community college) seem to have much more robust professional development programs that not only generate more proficiency along ones career, but also afford college credit for participants.
This helps both active duty and transitioning Soldiers, and in my opinion will give more prestige to the enlisted education system.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
CSM Troy Welch and SMA Kenneth Preston Please see the question above from SFC (Join to see) - thanks
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SMA Kenneth Preston
SSG Ernie, honestly we are much further ahead in many areas for what we do for our soldiers and leaders. There is a huge effort underway to credential all our occupational specialties so soldiers leave after their first enlistment with a license, certification or qualification in the civilian workforce. Most of our technical and service focused career fields are completed. We are getting closer to attaining an Associate’s degree by the time a soldier finishes their first enlistment. We are now assigning Graduate level educated SGMs to the Sergeant’s Major Academy at Fort Bliss, TX. Our goal is to make the Academy a graduate level experience just as the War College is for senior officers. Civilian education is important for all leaders in the Army as it promotes critical thinking and analytical skills needed in today’s complex battlefield environment. Small teams of soldiers working independently and from remote locations performing critical missions in conjunction with our Joint and Combined partners.
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Thanks SMA Kenneth Preston and CSM Troy Welch for your many decades of service to this nation and for taking the time to read and respond to questions.
For decades AUSA has attracted commissioned and non-commissioned officers to membership and participation.
Disclaimer: I have been involved with AUSA and have presented at and attended many national conventions over the decades.
How does AUSA benefit junior enlisted and NCO soldiers and their families?
How best can this message be spread far and wide?
Thanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs for reminding me.
FYI LTC Stephen C. CW5 (Join to see) CSM Charles Hayden SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SPC (Join to see) CPT Gabe Snell SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. CPT Gabe Snell MSG Andrew White SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley
For decades AUSA has attracted commissioned and non-commissioned officers to membership and participation.
Disclaimer: I have been involved with AUSA and have presented at and attended many national conventions over the decades.
How does AUSA benefit junior enlisted and NCO soldiers and their families?
How best can this message be spread far and wide?
Thanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs for reminding me.
FYI LTC Stephen C. CW5 (Join to see) CSM Charles Hayden SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SPC (Join to see) CPT Gabe Snell SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. CPT Gabe Snell MSG Andrew White SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley
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SMA Kenneth Preston
LTC Ford; for everyone joining in the discussion, AUSA is a professional development and educational association. In a recent survey study both NCOs and soldiers asked for more information focused on professional development, leadership, education and mentoring. Check out the twice weekly published e-letter titled Soldier Today. We are working on mentorship in conjunction with RallyPoint. I had a SFC ask me about military and veteran service organizations in general and why she should join AUSA versus the other organizations. I told her professionals join professional organizations to stay current in doctrinal and strategic issues, and to promote support for their profession. All VSOs and MSOs have a mission and focus. I recommend participating in as many as you can. I personally recommend AUSA because they are focused on a strong national defense for our Nation, a strong Army consisting of three components, Regular Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve; and the individual soldier and their family across all three components of the Army, retired soldiers and veterans. Each of these components must be balanced in conjunction with each other and not at the expense of one over the other.
To learn more about VSOs and MSOs and their missions, check out the 2017 resolutions now posted on the AUSA webpage. These resolutions address the Army budget, end-strength, military benefits, readiness, and investment. These resolutions are a starting point for building our legislative objectives, which are based on what our membership wants, what the Army needs, and what is politically feasible in today's Congressional environment. Compare these positions with other VSOs and MSOs. KP, TW
To learn more about VSOs and MSOs and their missions, check out the 2017 resolutions now posted on the AUSA webpage. These resolutions address the Army budget, end-strength, military benefits, readiness, and investment. These resolutions are a starting point for building our legislative objectives, which are based on what our membership wants, what the Army needs, and what is politically feasible in today's Congressional environment. Compare these positions with other VSOs and MSOs. KP, TW
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LTC Stephen F.
SMA Kenneth Preston - thank you very much for your eloquent and informative response. I am glad that "soldiers asked for more information focused on professional development, leadership, education and mentoring" in response to a recent survey.
Is there a fund to subsidize junior enlisted service members to pay the AUSA membership costs?
I think it would be great if there was a fund those with more resources could contribute to.
VFW helped me immensely with the VA disability submission process almost 10 years ago. I have long supported the efforts of DAV. I concur with you that being involved with as many Veterans Service Organizations as practical makes great sense for all veterans. Similarly I concur that it makes sense, for service members to be involved with Military Service Organizations such as AUSA. I have involved with MOAA throughout this century.
The $40 biannual cost for individual membership seems very reasonable. As a retired LTC with significant VA disability, I can easily afford the $40 membership.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Thomas Tennant MAJ Ken Landgren LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. CPT Gabe Snell CW5 (Join to see) SGM Steve Wettstein SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC (Join to see) SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SGT Michael Thorin MSG Andrew White SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley
https://www.ausa.org/membership/individual
Is there a fund to subsidize junior enlisted service members to pay the AUSA membership costs?
I think it would be great if there was a fund those with more resources could contribute to.
VFW helped me immensely with the VA disability submission process almost 10 years ago. I have long supported the efforts of DAV. I concur with you that being involved with as many Veterans Service Organizations as practical makes great sense for all veterans. Similarly I concur that it makes sense, for service members to be involved with Military Service Organizations such as AUSA. I have involved with MOAA throughout this century.
The $40 biannual cost for individual membership seems very reasonable. As a retired LTC with significant VA disability, I can easily afford the $40 membership.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Thomas Tennant MAJ Ken Landgren LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. CPT Gabe Snell CW5 (Join to see) SGM Steve Wettstein SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC (Join to see) SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SGT Michael Thorin MSG Andrew White SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley
https://www.ausa.org/membership/individual
Individual Membership | Association of the United States Army
AUSA is here to serve the entire Army -Regular Army, National Guard, Reserve, Retired Soldiers, Government Civilians, Wounded Warriors, Veterans, concerned citizens and family members. AUSA speaks out for the men and women of the United States Army who proudly serve our country. As a member of AUSA, you'll gain access to a large network of individual, sustaining, and corporate members. You'll have the opportunity to participate in key...
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SMA Kenneth Preston
LTC Ford, thank you for your thoughts and your desire to take care of our soldiers and their families. Membership in AUSA for 2 years is $10 for E-1 to E-4; GS1-GS4; WG1-WG8; NA1-NA8 and Cadets. Everyone more senior than these folks, membership for 2 years is $40; 5 years is $75; and Life Membership is $400. For all of us who have chosen Soldiering as our profession, the Association of the United States Army is our professional development and educational association. Professionals belong to professional associations to remain current and connected to other likeminded professional soldiers and leaders. Professional associations like AUSA keep you connected to the Army, trends and new developments and a voice on Capitol Hill. AUSA subsidizes the membership costs to keep them low. Check out the benefits and the educational materials you receive weekly and monthly at http://www.AUSA.org Attached is a membership application. Connect with your local Chapter, there are 119 AUSA Chapters across the country and around the world. All the members who run these chapters are volunteers who look for opportunities to support the Army, the Commands of those Army units in their area across all three components, and to support programs for officer, WOs, NCOs, soldiers and Army civilians. AUSA was established by the Army to support the Army. Thanks for being part of the team. Army Strong!
Homepage | Association of the United States Army
Your membership includes access to AUSA and ILWpublications that provide you with the insight and analysis you need to progress in your military career or simply expand your understanding of the Army.
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I would like to thank both SMA Preston and CSM Welch for answering questions and fielding opinions. My question is: Would it benefit new Enlistees to have a Soldier/Mentor (use to be called the Buddy System) assigned to each new Enlistee, mostly through Basic and AIT? Veterans could be recalled to AD, and could spaces where Cadre might not be able to. Thank You.
Spc. Lewis, Sheila (Vet/Student)
Spc. Lewis, Sheila (Vet/Student)
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SMA Kenneth Preston
SPC Lewis; there are pros and cons to buddy teams formed during Initial Entry Training. From a manning perspective, low density career fields cannot sustain assigning two new recruits to a gaining unit. But, having just visited Fort Hood, the Army is assigning two female recruits in the combat career fields together in the same units. In either case, remember the words of SMA Daily, “not in my squad.” We depend on our Sergeants to be the standard, to do the standard and enforce the standard.
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SPC Sheila Lewis
Thank You SMA Preston for your timely response, and taking the time to answer my question.
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