SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (May 14, 2015) – In his first visit to the Pacific since his appointment, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey addressed U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers during a town hall meeting here, May 11.
During the 90-minute town hall meeting, Dailey discussed the Army chief of staff’s priorities, outlined his initiatives, and took questions from an audience of more than 1,000 Soldiers in the rank of sergeant, staff sergeant and sergeant first class.
Dailey talked passionately about the importance of knowing how to lead and motivate Soldiers and of honoring the traditions of service to country. He reminded the audience that the Army continues to be the most trusted organization in America today, but with that comes a responsibility.
“Every Soldier is a billboard,” Dailey said. He went on to explain there are 1.1 million Soldiers serving in the Army (active, Guard and Reserves), who represent the profession of arms.
Dailey asked the noncommissioned officers, or NCOs, “What do you want your billboard to say today? What do you want your Soldiers’ billboards to say today?”
He shared with the NCOs that he personally approaches every day with this philosophy so he can be his personal best.
He went on to talk about the “Not In My Squad” campaign. He emphasized there would not be training materials developed to tell NCOs what this means, but that leaders at every level need to believe they are the best, instill that in their Soldiers and lead teams that reward excellence.
“Excellence spreads a lot faster than indiscipline,” Dailey said. “NCOs need to take back the lead. Sergeants Time Training isn’t a specific day of the week. It is every day.”
Dailey also talked about and took questions specific to talent management, broadening assignments, education opportunities for NCOs, changes in retirement and investing in Soldiers so that individual Soldiers grow personally and professionally while simultaneously ensuring the Army gets the return on investment it requires.
Dailey’s visit in Hawaii continues through May 13, with scheduled visits to mission support commands and theater enabling commands across the island. He will conduct a second town hall on Fort Shafter, Hawaii, May 12, from 1 – 2:15 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
