Discussion Board Post

           As an Operation Sergeant Major (OPS SGM) or Command Sergeant Major (CSM), your role in the training management and leadership development process is critical. The OPS SGM focus is on their organization's training management, while the CSM focuses more on leader development. The CSM or OPS SGM is not only responsible for the areas mentioned above, but must also focus on both training management and leadership development. According to FM 7-0, the noncommissioned officer corps' primary responsibility is "individual training of Soldiers, crews, and small teams" (Department of the Army, 2016, p. 17). While this is true at the troop level, the OPS SGM is responsible for developing and implementing its training plan for the entire Squadron.

           Training management starts with clear published training guidance; this guidance should include the commanders' guidance, the operational environment, units, personnel strengths and weaknesses, and the training environment (Department of the Army, 2016). The OPS SGM will assist the Units operations officers developing the training and leader development guidance (TLDG). The TLDG provides subordinate units with guidance on conducting training and leader development for the training year. The CSM will provide valuable input on leadership development within this guidance, while the OPS SGM will focus on the training aspect.

           Leader development is essential for organizations to grow. The CSM and OPS SGM play a vital role in the development of leaders within their organizations. Leadership development applies to enlisted Soldiers but officers as well. The CSM and OPS SGM are the most senior enlisted personnel within an organization and the most experienced. When developing a leadership development program, one must include all three development domains, which include institutional, operational, and self-development (Department of the Army, 2012). Any leadership development program's end goal must be to develop leaders that can lead training and ensure their units are ready for all required missions.