March 3, 2023 –
WASHINGTON - The D.C. National Guard command senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, met with the full-time enlisted Soldiers to deliver his 120-day assessment, and discuss priorities and key concerns with the force.
Smith stated, “some of this [information] may apply to you or may apply to someone in your formation; either way, you must learn it.” He further expressed how important it is to “check your buddy every day,” to make sure the Soldiers to the left and right are appearing and performing at their best.
Performance included implementing and adhering to policy and processes, planning for retirement, maintaining personnel records, managing career opportunities and progression, maintaining promotion eligibility, filling training seats, filtering the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance update to the lowest level, passing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), and participating in the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiatives.
Command Sgt. Maj. Octavia V. Williams, land component command sergeant major, reiterated the performance priorities and impressed upon the Soldiers, the need and value of doing their best to be a part of the solution and not the problem.
A significant priority addressed by both leaders was Soldier wellness. The ACFT, new assessment of record since October 2022, requires Soldiers who are not on profile to pass six events, and serves as the physical domain for H2F. The other of the five domains are sleep, nutrition, mental, and spiritual readiness. During the meeting, senior Soldiers volunteered to join the H2F team.
Staff Sgt. Monique Dingle, ACFT and H2F coordinator, stated that it is "your job is to help the NCO by knowing and providing them with the resources available."
The commonality of the priorities is ensuring that every Soldier has the information, resources, training and support to progress and be successful.
“We are always evolving as an Army, and we should consistently be evolving as Soldier,” said Smith.