Sergeant Major of the Army
The single most senior enlisted soldier of the US Army, a special E-9 appointment created in 1966.
Overview
The Sergeant Major of the Army wears the E-9 insignia with the Great Seal eagle between the chevrons and rockers and serves as the personal advisor to the Army Chief of Staff on all enlisted matters. Only one soldier holds the title at a time. The position was created in 1966 amid Vietnam War manpower strains to give the enlisted force a voice at the top, following a 1962 recommendation to study the idea. The SMA travels constantly, hears soldier grievances directly, and shapes policy on pay, training, quality of life, and NCO development.
Related Topics
Private
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Private First Class
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Corporal
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Sergeant
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