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CSM's
Message
By New Jersey State Command Sergeant Major Richard S. Adkins, Jr.
For those of us serving in the armed forces, the tragic events of September 11th marked our collective consciousness both personally and professionally. I believe this despicable act by the enemies of freedom and democracy has served to strengthen our resolve and focus our efforts to ensure that we, as soldiers are fully prepared to defend our communities, state, and nation against another terror attack and against all enemies both foreign and domestic. Our professional competence, leadership abilities, and initiative long have been among the primary reasons Americas armed forces are the best in the world. Given our increasing involvement in Homeland Defense, Homeland Security, and our continued role in local emergency response missions, its even more important that we attain the highest possible level of professional skill and help our junior NCOs and enlisted personnel become the best soldiers they can become. Weve received tremendous support from our elected officials and from throughout every aspect of our local communities. Weve also been fortunate to have solid support from within our own chain of command. However, the successes of the past will not be sufficient to meet the challenges of the future. We need to reinforce the importance of NCOES and obtain the necessary funding so that every promotable soldier in the NJARNG has the opportunity to attend NCOES schools. This includes the 1,000 soldiers who were promoted between January 2002 to 15 July 2004 and still have a military education requirement to complete NCOES. As the State Command Sergeant Major I would like to identify four specific areas I feel are critical to the successful professional development of the Noncommissioned Officer Corps. These areas will be my top priorities for the next twenty-four months. It is my sincere belief that proper attention to these initiatives will increase our soldiers awareness of the importance of living Army Values, decrease the level of complacency, and enhance our overall readiness. 1. Top loading
from the Enlisted Promotion System (EPS) list for school attendance. With your continued commitment and support I have every confidence that we will be the best we can be; and perhaps most important, be what our nation and our fellow citizens need us to be. |