ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer, a Special Forces soldier with more than 20 years of experience in Army special operations, has been selected to become the 17th sergeant major of the Army. 

Weimer will succeed Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston this summer. Grinston has served as the Army’s senior enlisted leader since August 2019. 

A special operations NCO who has deployed 15 times and a former Army Ranger have been appointed to the 2022–2023 class of White House Fellows, a highly competitive program for leaders who are committed to public service.

Founded in 1964, the White House Fellows program offers “exceptional young leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government,” the White House said in its announcement.

It’s time for a return to land navigation training, said some of the Army’s top enlisted leaders, who agree that despite advances in technology, soldiers must master the most basic task: how to get where they’re going.

The Army has expanded its temporary promotion policy to all NCOs, allowing those who are otherwise qualified to move up before completing the required professional military education.

This decision allows the Army to bridge the gap between training and promotion requirements, said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston.

Training repetition, physical and mental fitness, and engaged communication with leadership are all key aspects of building readiness and cohesive teams throughout the Army, according to a panel of senior NCOs.

“The Army exists to fight and win our nation’s wars. You have to be an expert at your craft,” whether you’re an infantryman, armor soldier, human resources specialist or any other MOS, said Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, senior enlisted leader for Army Forces Command.

The winners of the Army’s 20th annual Best Warrior Competition were announced Oct. 11 during the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The Soldier of the Year is Spc. Justin Earnhart of Army Futures Command, and the NCO of the Year is Sgt. Adam Krauland from U.S. Army Pacific.

“Our Army has gone through so much in the last 18 months. I am so proud to be standing with you today,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston, who oversaw the competition.

From retired Maj. Shawn Morelli’s first medal for Team USA in track cycling to Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks’ record-breaking gold medal performance, soldier-athletes shone at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Three active-duty soldiers and at least 16 veterans from across the services represented Team USA at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, which concluded Sept. 5.

In total, Team USA’s active-duty or former service members brought home nine medals.

The Army is pushing forward several NCO talent management initiatives aimed at overhauling the way enlisted leaders are promoted and assigned and giving soldiers new options as they progress in their careers.

Bolstered by the success of new officer promotion and assignment programs launched early last year, the Army is advancing three new programs that focus on leadership positions for senior NCOs.

Two members of the Army Talent Management Task Force will discuss new programs for enlisted soldiers during a webinar hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army.

Maj. Jed Hudson and Sgt. Maj. Robert Haynie will speak Feb. 24 during The AUSA Noon Report.

The event begins at noon Eastern. It is free, but registration is required here.