Sergeant Major of the Army

For the British Army equivalent, see Army Sergeant Major. For the Danish Army equivalent, see Sergeant Major of the Army (Denmark). For the Australian Army equivalent, see Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (Australia). For the South African Army equivalent, see Sergeant Major of the Army (South Africa).

United States
Sergeant Major of the Army
Sergeant Major of the Army left collar brass insignia
Flag of the SMA
since 4 August 2023
United States Army
AbbreviationSMA
Reports toChief of Staff of the U.S. Army
Formation11 July 1966; 58 years ago (1966-07-11)
First holderWilliam O. Wooldridge
Salary$10,294.80 per month, regardless of the incumbent's service longevity[1]
WebsiteOfficial website

The sergeant major of the Army (SMA) is a unique noncommissioned rank and position of office in the United States Army. The holder of this rank and position is the most senior enlisted soldier in the Army, unless an enlisted soldier is serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman. The SMA is appointed to serve as a spokesman to address the issues of enlisted soldiers to all officers, from warrant officers and lieutenants to the Army's highest positions. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of staff of the Army. The exact duties vary depending on the chief of staff, though much of the SMA's time is spent traveling throughout the Army, observing training and talking with soldiers and their families.

Kenneth O. Preston held the rank from 15 January 2004 through 28 February 2011, the only incumbent to serve longer than five years.[2] SMA Michael R. Weimer has held the office since 4 August 2023.[3][4]

The SMA is designated a special paygrade above E-9. While the SMA is a non-commissioned officer, protocol places the SMA higher than all lieutenant generals[5] (except for the Director of the Army Staff) and equivalent to a general for formal courtesies in addition to seating, billeting, transportation, and parking.

  1. ^ "Monthly rates of Basic Pay (Enlisted) – effective January 1, 2024". Defense Financing and Accounting Service. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Sergeant Major Kenneth O. Preston - Sergeant Major Army". Archived from the original on 12 September 2007. Retrieved 22 September 2007.
  3. ^ "Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer selected as 17th Sergeant Major of the Army". U.S. Army. Washington, D. C.: U.S. Army Public Affairs. 12 December 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  4. ^ "Webcast: Relinquishment of Responsibility for GEN James McConville / Change of Responsibility SMA Michael Grinston". DVIDS. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  5. ^ Department of the Army A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment, 5-4.