Is the next SMA too young right now?

2014-11-10T23:18:03-05:00

Is CSM Dailey too young in his career to be the SMA???

I will start with saying, I don't know CSM Dailey and have never served with him. I have seen his resume through various internet postings and obviously the Chief of Staff picked him, so he is more than qualified. I ask the question, becuase with only 25 years of service right now, are we limiting CSM Dailey and his ability to continue to provide great leadership to the Army. After his service as the SMA, he will retire at 29 years of service. Presummably there could have been several more years of outstanding service to the Army had his selection been delayed 4 years.

What are your thoughts? I am sure he will do a great job as the SMA, but am wondering if it is too early?

http://www.army.mil/article/137469/TRADOC_command_sergeant_major_picked_to_be_next_SMA/

TRADOC command sergeant major picked to be next SMA

The senior enlisted adviser of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command has been selected to be the 15th sergeant major of the Army, Army senior leaders announced Nov. 3, 2014.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 11:22 PM

2014-11-10T23:22:12-05:00

I met CSM Dailey a few years ago during a discussion at Fort Lee. He was articulate and intelligent enough to engage the many personnel in the room. I thought back then he would be a great SMA.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 15 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-01-15T23:25:37-05:00

The army lets E9s serve more then 30 years?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-01-15T23:28:38-05:00

While uncommon, I do not believe there is any regulatory restriction at the SMA moving to a combatant command senior enlisted advisor position or to the Joint Chiefs of Staff after serving as the SMA. I would hope that if CSM Daily wants to serve longer, our leaders will afford him that opportunity.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 12:06 AM

2015-01-16T00:06:56-05:00

You bring a valid point LTC Private RallyPoint Member, but where would you suggest his assignment be after holding the TRADOC CSM position?

I read the comment by SSG Joaquin Goicoechea , I would have to agree that CSM Dailey is being groomed for continued service.

Time shall tell.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-01-16T07:44:50-05:00

Who is to say he will only do four years? SMA Preston did seven years as the SMA, why not SMA Dailey?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-01-17T18:19:58-05:00

My vote, LTC Private RallyPoint Member, is that SMA Dailey's relative youth is no problem at all. He's got the assignments and the experience to be a great SMA. I don't think we're short-changing him or the Army with his selection as SMA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-01-17T21:11:48-05:00

Well, for years the Army has boasted of placing the right Soldier, in the right place, at the right time. CSM Dailey may be just what the Army needed in an ever changing and demand time. I feel he will do a great job as SMA. I also feel he will continue to serve, if he chooses after he serves as SMA.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-01-18T10:40:37-05:00

I honestly can't think of one thing I've experienced in the Army that was directly improved or deteriorated because of an SMA. I've never thought, "Gee, this sure is better because SMA So & So did X". Nor have I thought, "That goddamn SMA X is the sole reason I'm getting shafted on this one!" So frankly I couldn't care less about his age.

Response by CW3 Eddy Vleugels made Jan 18 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-01-18T11:28:04-05:00

I would say that age in and by itself should have little to do with whether a person is qualified for a job; as a matter of fact, it is illegal to discriminate against age!

If this CSM has the type of experience that is required for him to be effective as the new SMA, then I support that 100%.

Response by Capt Christian Olson made Jan 19 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-01-19T11:59:24-05:00

Absolutely absurd. There are guys who start and run companies that become massive complex enterprises in very short periods of time with relatively little experience.
Sure, experience helps, but 25 years is PLENTY of time to be the SMA.

This is what frustrated me with the military and govt in general. Years in a job does not correlate to being good. The govt has not cracked the code in promoting creative, innovative, smart capable people who are young. They fall back on time in grade or certifications, and not accomplishments/success. When a private company finds a sales rep who dramatically increases their revenue, they do not care how many years he has been sitting in that seat. They recognize the value add and promote or he/she will be gone to find a company that will honor that value add. The govt religiously falls back on certifications and time in.

How does the military promote a soldier/airman/sailor/marine that impacts an organization and leads to growth/success???????? I say they do not as those are not factors in their promotion scores....??????? Thoughts?????

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-01-25T17:38:44-05:00

I'm curious what makes many seem to think CSM Daily is relatively young. He has 25 years in the Army and has been a CSM for going on 11 years serving at all command levels. His tour as SMA would bring him close to mandatory retirement with continued service requiring a waiver anyway.

Not taking away from the importance of the position and his responsibility, I do not recall anything that a SMA did that immediately impacted me and my troops at the unit level. His focus is on the Army as a whole; He will look at changes to the evaluation system; NCO Education System and possibly adding another level for 1SG/MSGs; Army PT program; sexual harrassment; let me not forget possibly another change in PT, duty, and Dress uniform during his tenure of duty. As TRADOC CSM he is familiar these and the programs the outgoing SMA has in the pot.

His selection means one thing, the CSA determined he was the best CSM for the job of all CSMs considered to carry out the SMAs guidance. I believe he will do an outstand job and wish him the best and much success. The Army benefits in the end, hopefully.

I seriously doubt he will ask for another assignment at the end of time as SMA. 1st reason is because of the Army's upward promotion system; Which CSM Daily is fully aware of and feel it will be time to move on and not prevent another deserving CSM from moving up either as SMA or as a COCOM CSM. I believe any other COCOM Cdr would bring on board a CSM they know and have worked with closely in the past. System and selections seem to work that way. Much like Gen. Ordierno has done with CSM Daily, who served as a battalion, brigade CSM before becoming the 4th ID CSM and we all know who commanded the 4th ID. The Gereral who just hired him as SMA. Again, I do believe he will do a great job and represent the Army and it's Soldiers extremely well.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-01-25T18:00:47-05:00

If he is the best qualified, but too young, what's the alternative--An older, less-qualified Sr NCO to lead and advise on behalf of the entire Army enlisted formation? He can easily do six-seven years and retire at 30+. I truly don't think this is an issue....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-01-25T23:05:37-05:00

I feel that CSM Dailey will bring a youthful (if 42 is considered that) approach as the SEA of the Army. He has obviously taken the necessary steps and positions of responsibility as well as the nod from the Chief of Staff. I feel he will bring success at his position bringing great pride the the Infantry as well. He could possibly serve as long as former SMA Preston did if desired. Either way he is a great fit and will do well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-03-14T11:29:05-04:00

Well, he can serve as the SMA for over 4 years if he so wishes to do so and the COS still needs him. As far as him being "too" young, I believe he has enough time to be the top advisor to the Army chief. What is "old" enough? What is the correct TIS requirement for such a position? If he is well qualified for the position at his age, then why not? It's nice to see a fresh younger SMA with fresh ideas. It was time for a change.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 13 at 2019 1:39 AM

2019-08-13T01:39:52-04:00

Good Points have been brought forth!