Solid, dependable leadership is crucial to success of any organization, and the U.S. Army is no exception. The Command Sergeant Major (CSM) makes a vital contribution to the leadership and training of the world's most elite fighting force.

The Command Sergeant Major is the Army's senior enlisted trainer and spokesperson. It is the CSM's job to ensure that all established standards and policies are enforced. This manifests itself in the performance, care, conduct, appearance, personnel management and training of enlisted Soldiers.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Ensure that newly assigned enlisted personnel are instructed in military courtesy, customs of the service and command regulations or policies.
• Monitor or conduct training of enlisted soldiers.
• Provide counsel and guidance to Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and other enlisted Soldiers of the command.
• Assist in inspection of command activities, facilities and personnel as prescribed by the commanding officer.

The following are required:

• Completion of the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC)
• Completion of the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course (ANCOC)
• 15-18 years of service on average
• Bachelors of Arts or Bachelors of Science

Command Sergeant Major training includes completion of the Command Sergeant Major Course (CSMC), where you will learn to perform the duties of a Battalion Command Sergeant Major. The Command Sergeant Major Course includes subjects on transitioning, interpersonal relationships, assigning and utilizing Soldiers, developing training plans, board exams, and caring for Soldiers and their families.

Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and showing respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

While there is no directly related job for a Command Sergeant Major in the civilian world, the leadership skills you acquire as a CSM will help you in many types of civilian careers. A CSM in the Army is most closely related to a vital manager in a corporation that would specialize in human resources, training, or labor relations.

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.