Sergeants Major Course
Developmental counseling statement sample covering Sergeants Major Course

Posted Sunday, December 4, 2005

Possible topics to discuss during counseling:

• Meeting height and weight standards is an enrollment requirement
• Attendance at the resident course is a PCS move with about 10 months time on station
• Be physically fit and prepared for a rigorous physical fitness program
• Decide whether to PCS with family for the resident course
• Housing availability and standards of maintenance at the resident course
• Responsibility for others while at the resident course is not the same as in a regular unit
• The opportunity for civilian education is high. Have an education plan before you get to the resident course
• The resident course takes place in a hot, dry climate, be prepared
• A current physical is required
• Ensure your security clearance is current and will not expire during the resident course
• The importance of possessing a computer and computer skills
• Non-resident course does not enjoy the same "break" for the normal duty routine that the resident course enjoys
• Non-resident course students must meet the same academic requirements as the resident course students
• Non-resident course students must still attend a two week resident course at the end of their studies
• Non-resident course students must complete the course as quickly as possible and still accomplish normal unit responsibilities, i.e.; field problems, ranges, APFT, etc…
• Consequences of failing or being removed from the resident/non-resident course
• Resident course students have the opportunity to form professional relationships with many of their peers (networking)
• Sponsorship of an international student
• High blood pressure is very common for inprocessing students, get it under control before you go
• Keep in touch with what’s happening in the real Army

Short Term Goal:

• Develop a civilian education plan
• Prepare the family and belongings for a PCS move
• Maintain/improve physical fitness
• Obtain a computer/improve computer skills
• Pre-study for some of the more difficult subject areas, i.e.; graphics and overlays
• Be promoted to Sergeant Major

Long Term Goals:

• Graduate from the Sergeants Major Academy
• Prepare for a follow on assignment as a Sergeant Major/Command Sergeant Major
• Receive college degree
• Conduct a second PCS move within 12 months
• Graduate as a Master Fitness Trainer
• Be appointed as Command Sergeant Major

Below is a space for you to list additional topics that may apply uniquely to your situation:
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Possible Plan of Action: (Person counseled develops plan with counselor’s guidance.)

• Develop an education plan with the education center
• Complete a physical
• Develop and implement and additional physical fitness plan geared for the academy and climate
• Download the USASMA inprocessing guide from the internet
• Conduct PCS planning and execution
• Sign up on the Enlisted Leadership Development Network to stay abreast of current Army issues

Possible Leader’s Responsibilities: (This is only an example for you to use as a guide.)

• Provide as much information as possible to the soldier
• Assist with preparing for the PCS move
• Help advise the soldier on an education plan
• Provide POCs to assist with the transition to USASMA

Author: SGM Larry A. Jones Jr.