WASHINGTON –
The National Guard continues to build on Joint Force integration for strategic readiness to ensure personnel are deployable, sustainable, interoperable, and ready. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Hughes, Senior Enlisted Leader for the D.C. Army National Guard's (DCARNG) Medical Detachment, recently completed U.S. Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) at Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex in Montgomery Alabama. The first D.C. Army National Guard member to do so.
“I was hand-selected,” SFC Hughes explained. “National Guard Bureau (NGB) reached out to my leadership and asked for a high-speed soldier. I initially thought I was just next in line, but it turned out I was chosen because of my performance and potential.”
The five-week course, which focuses on leadership development, joint operations, and strategic thinking, is considered the Air Force’s equivalent of the Army’s Master Leader Course (MLC). It is designed to prepare active duty, Air Force Reserve, sister services and allied/partner nation senior noncommissioned officers in support of U.S. national security objectives and interests.
“This opportunity will hopefully open doors for other Army service members who are eligible,” said U.S. Army Capt. Salice Kelley, D.C. Army National Guard Medical Detachment unit commander. “Joint training and education will better encourage joint planning and execution.”
Manpower, education, and training are critical enablers of operational readiness. The SNCOA program aligns with the goals of Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) and Periodic Health Assessments (PHA) by fostering a holistic approach to readiness. These annual health exams for Guardsmen are held at the D.C. Armory and they ensure that all servicemembers meet the physical and medical requirements necessary for deployment and operational support.
“These annual health exams are critical to the D.C. National Guard’s ability to provide support to local partner agencies, and to be ready to fight and win America’s wars,” said U.S. Army Maj. Christopher Rowley.
SFC Hughes not only completed the rigorous course but excelled, graduating with a 3.8 GPA. During the graduation ceremony, Hughes said he learned he was the first Army Guardsman from D.C. to attend and complete the course.
“It was a surreal moment. Out of 350 service members, they called my name and recognized me as the first from the D.C. Army National Guard,” he said. “I had to fight back tears on stage. It was a proud and humbling experience.”
Capt. Kelley adds SFC Hughes’ personal and organizational milestone paves the way for future leaders to embrace innovative training opportunities that strengthen the force.
“This is a groundbreaking step forward for our unit and the D.C. National Guard, establishing a clear path for future leaders to follow,” she said. “His exemplary performance has set a new benchmark, inspiring others to pursue cross-service education opportunities, thereby fostering a culture of growth and collaboration between the Army and Air Force.”
SFC Hughes emphasized that one of the most valuable aspects of the training was learning about the evolving nature of military leadership in the face of societal changes.
“They taught us how to adapt our leadership style to meet the needs of the younger generation,” he shared. “Recruitment is challenging, and one of our goals is making the military more attractive to today’s youth. We have to address things like work-life balance, uniform policies, and even technology integration.”
The course also encompassed meeting with Pentagon leaders and hearing firsthand about current global military strategies.
“I got to meet Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi,” he recalled. “Listening to his insights on joint operations and the future of the military was inspiring. It made me realize how interconnected our forces are and the importance of joint missions.”
The course also significantly impacted SFC Hughes’ leadership philosophy. He says he is now focused on meeting soldiers where they are and fostering a collaborative environment.
“I’ve learned that I can’t lead soldiers today the same way I did 20 years ago. Each soldier is unique, with different goals and perspectives. My job is to build trust and guide them, not just rely on my experience. I’ve also started taking additional leadership courses to stay updated and relevant.”
SFC Hughes plans to implement what he learned at SNCOA to mentor younger soldiers and enhance the overall readiness of his unit.
“Leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about listening, learning, and evolving,” he said. “This course has changed how I approach leadership, and I’m excited to pass on these lessons to the next generation.”
With nearly three decades of military service and extensive experience in medical missions across the globe, including Jamaica and Africa, Hughes has built a legacy of leadership. His latest accomplishment at SNCOA is another testament to his dedication.
“I’ve been in this unit for 29 years, and I’ve seen a lot. But this course was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s a reminder that no matter how long you’ve been in, there’s always something new to learn.”
In addition to his military career, SFC Hughes has been a Metro bus driver for 26 years, balancing his civilian and military responsibilities with unwavering commitment.
“Never stop learning and growing,” he said. “The Air Force SNCOA opened my eyes to new possibilities, and I encourage every senior enlisted leader to consider it. It will change your perspective on leadership.”