“If I could pick one word to describe SGM Deblois, it would be dedicated. The Academy gained international attention early on in its history and hosted its first international student in Sergeants Major Course Class 6 in 1975. “I feel a huge responsibility to make this program successful and to make everybody here successful and because of that I feel that this is an opportunity for me to serve my country too. Maj. Michael Huffman, the director of the International Military Student Office, joined Defreese on stage to present the Class 66 International students with the USASMA International Military Student Badge signifying their successful completion of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Sergeants Major Course.Since the creation of the Sergeants Major Academy in July 1972, the Academy has had a direct impact on the education of the Army’s entire Corps of Noncommissioned Officers through its stewardship of NCO Professional Development Courses.
You all should take great pride in accepting your scroll here today.”To the class he encouraged all to know their jobs, become the expert; be proficient in the profession of arms; establish and maintain good routines; be responsible and accountable; live by the service values; report accurately and honestly; encourage and support education; look after one another, and take care of their families.“Your journey starts tomorrow,” he said.
The display is one of several that are part of the NCO Heritage and Education Center and help tell the story of the Noncommissioned Officer Corps.For more information about the Old Guard visit their website at For more than 44 years the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy has welcomed international military students from partner nations into its noncommissioned officer professional development courses. “I am excited that this is finally starting.
Because to some you are the only Army they know. When the students tell me they wish they had known this stuff three or four years ago and they are excited about what they know now, we are hitting the mark.”The Master Leader Course consists of topics such as Army and Joint Doctrine; Interagency Capabilities and Considerations; Plans, Orders and Annexes; Decisive Action; Military Justice Rules and Procedures; Command Inspection program; Servant leadership; Personnel Readiness; Military Decision Making Process; Public Speaking; Military Briefings and Writing.The MLC has been specifically designed to prepare sergeants first class for the increased leadership and management responsibilities required of all senior NCOs.
Maj. Robert R. Deblois handed over the duties and responsibilities of deputy director to Sgt.
This is a big win for the NCO Corps and for our Army.”The establishment of the Fellowship Program, Defreese said, also means the leaders of the Army believe NCO education is important and that NCOs can be critical thinkers and help solve problems.“I think it says a lot about our NCO Corps, but it is really because of what the officers think about us,” he said.