<P> The Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is a unique non-commissioned rank and position of office in the United States Army . The holder of this rank and position is the most senior enlisted member of the Army unless an Army Sergeant Major is serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in which case he would be the most senior enlisted man and the SMA will be the second-most senior enlisted member of the Army . The SMA is appointed to serve as a spokesman to address the issues of enlisted soldiers to all officers, from warrant officers and lieutenants to the Army's highest positions . As such, he is the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army . The exact duties vary depending on the chief of staff, though much of the SMA's time is spent traveling throughout the Army, observing training and talking with soldiers and their families . </P> <P> Kenneth O. Preston held the rank from 15 January 2004, through 28 February 2011, the only incumbent to serve longer than four years . SMA Raymond F. Chandler III was succeeded by Command Sergeant Major Daniel A. Dailey, on 30 January 2015 . </P> <P> While the SMA is a non-commissioned officer, the billet is the protocol equivalent of a lieutenant general . </P> <P> The rank and position were based on those of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (established in its current incarnation on 23 May 1957). The Chief of Staff of the Army created the position in 1966 after asking leaders of the major commands for a personal recommendation . He asked that it not be considered a near - retirement type assignment . He listed seven duties and functions he expected the Sergeant Major to perform, including service as a personal adviser and assistant on matters pertaining to enlisted soldiers . From 4,700 proposed candidates, 21 nominees were selected . Finally chosen was the only one then serving in Vietnam, Sergeant Major William O. Wooldridge of the 1st Infantry Division . </P>

How long does it take to be a sergeant major in the army