From the COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR TRAINING COMMAND (IET) 108th THE U.S. ARMY DRILL SERGEANT ACADEMY IS HIRING!

This year, I once again had the distinct pleasure of hosting the 108th Training Command’s Annual Command Sergeant Major Forum. The forum provides a unique opportunity for all CSMs of the 108th Training Command to come together in a single location for a few days to meet one another, share challenges and ideas specific to our command, and receive information and guidance from leadership and our partners. It serves as an azimuth check and enables us to move out effectively as a unified team with common goals.

Major General Bill Dyer, 108th TC Commanding General, dropped in on day one to address the group, provide command guidance, and answer questions. CSM Rickey Jackson, Commandant and SGM Melissa Jackson, Deputy Commandant U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy were also in attendance to discuss the priorities, change of culture, and current program of instruction at the Academy.

The Senior Leader Development Office (SLDO) provided MSG Prochaska to inform our leaders about Sergeant Major management, policies, and procedures.

The USARC G-37 team, represented by SGM Stubenvoll and SFC Torres discussed updates and answered questions specific to Senior Professional Military Education school policies and processes. They also spent the weekend working with the Division and Command Quota Source Managers to ensure focus of effort and clear understanding of junior PME assignments.

Perhaps most importantly, during the event, your CSMs are broken down into enduring working groups where they come together to develop solutions, products, and policies to get after a range of challenges. These topics include Drill Sergeant (DS) employment opportunities between AT missions, resourcing, and validation of DS Preparatory Programs (DSPP), Soldier retention initiatives, enhanced recruitment of qualified DS, and increased awareness for competitive Soldier programs.

I can tell you, without a doubt, your CSM leaders are engaged and invested in our Soldiers at all levels. Their active participation and focused engagement made this very apparent throughout the event- they care about YOU! I’m confident the CSM working groups will develop valuable products and ideas which will have a lasting impact on the entire formation.

First in Training!

Griffon 7