A Commandant and His Sergeant Major Carried Enlisted Voices to the Top
Summary
Retired Marine General James L. Jones and Sergeant Major Alford L. McMichael described how they brought junior enlisted Marines’ concerns to senior leaders. They said listening to younger noncommissioned officers helped identify issues affecting Marines’ families, housing, uniforms and education, and could make changes last beyond a commandant’s term.Key Facts
- Jones selected McMichael to become the 14th sergeant major of the Marine Corps after interviewing several candidates.
- Jones was nominated to become the 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps in 1999.
- McMichael described his role as a bridge carrying messages from junior Marines to senior leaders.
- With Jones’s support, McMichael organized a symposium for younger noncommissioned officers to raise concerns.
- McMichael said the issues he brought to Jones included the Exceptional Family Member Program, housing, uniform costs and education.
- Jones said leaders should seek ideas from others before issuing orders if they want changes to last.
- Jones and McMichael spoke with Newsweek in Washington on the Marine Corps’ 251st birthday, the day before Veterans Day.
- The two retired Marines also visited Camp Lejeune and discussed the Veterans Strong program with commanders.
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