By By Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy Everette
After 30+ years in uniform, a retiring CSM shares hard-earned wisdom for future Sergeants Major. Key lessons: stay humble, lead with transparency, protect your credibility, and never forget your roots. A must-read for the next generation of leaders!
May 4, 2026
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Waylon D. Petty
The 4th Infantry Division is prototyping Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2). This "whole-stack" modernization — spanning Transport, Integration, Data, and Apps—aims to deliver faster decision-making and lethal overmatch for the joint force.
April 20, 2026
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Doyle
Today, the crutch of crisis-driven adaptation has been kicked out from under us. The war in Ukraine, the f ight with Iran, other conflicts in the Middle East, and 1 NCO Journal provides a forum and publishing opportunity for NCOs, by NCOs, for the open exchange of ideas and information in support of training, education and development. April 2026the relentless pressure from our pacing threats make one thing brutally clear: Urgency is no longer optional. Hesitation now means failure.
April 6, 2026
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Richard C. Pyles Jr.
Air defense resiliency isn’t a lesson — it’s a lifestyle. Through disciplined training, trust, and unwavering teamwork, Soldiers create certainty in chaos. Their strength, commitment, and shared hardship keep the mission moving and each other lifted. Training is the ultimate resilience.
March 16, 2026
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Victor J. Laragione
Medical NCOs must get real clinical reps — not just simulations — to build true expertise. Leaders play a critical role in securing training, rotations, and partnerships so medics can maintain proficiency, strengthen readiness, and save lives when it matters most.
March 2, 2026
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis R. Kirk
Struggling with promotions? The Army already gives the roadmap. Meaningful professional growth counseling, knowing DA PAM 600‑25, pursuing key schools, staying ready, and owning your development are the keys to standing out and moving up.
February 2, 2026
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. James L. Light
Discipline is the key to survival and success. From individual Soldiers and teams to NCOs and the entire organization, upholding the standards of discipline and integrity are everyone's responsibility.
January 5, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Charles D. “Doug” Walker
Command Sgt. Maj. Charles D. “Doug” Walker of the 101st Airborne argues leadership and management are inseparable, with presence, time management, and echelon-appropriate focus shaping effective units. He responds to Kevin Rasins, urging data-informed systems, talent placement, and face-to-face communication to build resilient, combat-ready formations.
December 1, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. LaRocque
A Soldier shares how setting goals helped him overcome an injury from a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan. Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen LaRocque’s decision to run a marathon becomes a family effort, and he shares a lesson about casualty evacuation.
August 25, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty
Army Reserve families demonstrate resilience every day, writes Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty. He reminds Soldiers to remember to thank the people who pick up the slack when they’re gone. Read his Muddy Boots article.
August 11, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Kupratty
Regarding Army leader development, Command Sgt. Maj. Alexander Kupratty asks, “Whose job is it anyway?” Professional military education (PME) and schools alone? No, he writes. Experience, mentorship, and continuous learning are crucial. Read his Muddy Boots article.
July 28, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres
Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres highlights growth opportunities for NCOs, from working with FedEx or Amazon in the Training with Industry (TWI) program to earning certification or becoming an Observer Coach/Trainer (OC/T). Read his Muddy Boots article on mastering your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
July 14, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker
“A unit’s initial mission doesn’t define its value but its ability to learn, grow, and deliver,” Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan D. Barker writes. An approach from the NCO’s toolbox allowed his team to flourish in Afghanistan. Read how in his Muddy Boots article.
June 30, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor
Trust isn’t just valuable, writes Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan E. Reffeor. It’s lifesaving. Learn how training for the worst transformed Soldiers into a cohesive team with faith in one another, and find out how that paid off during harsh combat in Iraq.
June 16, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Dodson Jr.
Why do Soldiers violate grooming standards, Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Dodson asks, and why don’t others correct them? The answer reveals how to make on‑the‑spot corrections properly — and why.
June 2, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. John P. McDwyer
Enhancing training — at home station and the crew and platoon levels — is essential for successful training rotations. By investing in their development, the Army can ensure that battalions and brigades thrive, ultimately leading to more effective resource application and overall mission success.
May 19, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry
We live in a turbulent world, Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry writes, with the prospect of combat on the horizon. Four things can ensure you’re ready to give the best to the nation’s sons and daughters preparing for war.
May 5, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph “DP” Delapena
New NCOs lack experience but must lead Soldiers who were buddies only a day before. How can they, especially when future battlefields will be faster and deadlier than ever? Developing team leaders is key.
April 21, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann
CSM JoAnn Naumann discusses how NCOs can align their time with their priorities to lead effectively. Effective time management allows NCOs to set the standard, inspiring their Soldiers to do the same.
April 7, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Neil H. Sartain
NCOs are critical to the Army’s daily conduct. If they lack personal and professional development, the consequences affect the whole organization. CSM Neil H. Sartain explores how to best develop the NCO corps.
March 24, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley
Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley highlights competency’s vital role in NCO leadership and unit readiness. Tactical and technical proficiency, coupled with self‑awareness and strong leadership, keep Soldiers prepared for combat.
March 10, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. LeVares J. Jackson Sr.
Challenging, realistic training is critical for developing Soldier resilience, combat readiness, and adaptability. Rigorous preparation ensures they are equipped to handle future conflicts’ unpredictable and demanding conditions.
Feb. 24, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh (Mobar)
The importance of CSMs and chaplains collaborating to build a culture of spiritual readiness and resiliency within Army units cannot be overstated. By working together, they can create a supportive environment that fosters purpose, hope, and meaning.
Feb. 10, 2025
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By By SEA John T. Raines III
The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief National Guard Bureau recounts his experiences on Sept. 11, 2001, sharing lessons on avoiding complacency and ensuring peak performance.
Jan. 13, 2025
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Sellers
Through continuous improvement and strategic investments, the Army Sustainment Enterprise ensures that its combat formations and support functions are executed flawlessly.
Dec. 9, 2024
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. T. J. Holland
Embracing technological advancements while mastering warfighting fundamentals enables Soldiers to remain agile, effective, and lethal in modern warfare.
Nov. 25, 2024
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris
NCOs act as guardians, mentors, and role models — shaping the Army’s culture and inspiring trust through exemplary leadership.
Nov. 12, 2024
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By By Command Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Hester
Continuous transformation is key to outmaneuvering emerging threats — ensuring Soldiers are equipped with the best tools and training.
Oct. 28, 2024
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By By 17th Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer
The SMA recounts a challenging combat mission in Iraq, where his team faced unexpected resistance while pursuing a high-value target. The intense firefight tested their readiness and discipline. In this article, the SMA emphasizes the importance of preparation and leadership in large-scale combat operations (LSCO). Mastering the basics and being genuinely prepared are crucial for success, especially in future conflicts against near-peer adversaries.
Oct. 14, 2024
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