Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer- Family, Service, and Growth
From The Green Notebook
Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations
This chapter discusses the importance of having uncomfortable conversations and how avoiding them can hinder personal and professional growth. The speaker emphasizes the need to approach these conversations with empathy and highlights their relevance in relationships and leadership roles.
Sergeant Major of the Army, Sergeant Major Michael Weimer joins the show to discuss what he's learned from his decades of experience in the Army and how family, mentors, and self-reflection have helped him grow into the leader he is today. Joe and Weimer also talk about:
- Why the military can be "the family business"
- Weimer's biggest obstacle in his career
- The importance of being present at work and at home
- Managing the tension between family and professional obligations
- Balancing accountability with empathy
- Why tough conversations lead to growth
- The power of self-reflection
- and much more!
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer was sworn in as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army on Aug. 4, 2023. Weimer’s most recent assignment was serving as the Command Sergeant Major for U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Throughout his career he has served in a variety of positions from team member to Command Sergeant Major of Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan, to Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Special Operations Command Central.
As the Sergeant Major of the Army, Weimer is the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. He devotes the majority of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and interact with Soldiers and their Families. Weimer is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the NCO Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements.
He enlisted in the Army in 1993 and successfully completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1994. He graduated the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course and earned his Green Beret in 1996. His previous assignments include tours with 7th Special Forces Group, and nearly 20 years in Special Mission Units.
Weimer’s military education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, Sergeants Major Course, Executive Leader Course, Summit Course, Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Course, Static Line Jumpmaster Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (HIGH RISK), and Air Assault School. Weimer is a graduate of Norwich University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (2nd award) with Combat device (1st award), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2nd award), Bronze Star Medal (5th award), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with "C" device, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3rd award), Iraq Campaign Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th award), NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Weimer is married and has two children.
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