Soldier Today: Strategic Education and Training of our Enlisted Force

<p>Professional development of the Army’s enlisted force is a top priority, and our guest today, CSM (Ret.) John D. Sparks, has been influential in the advancement of their training and education. He has spent a lifetime serving our country as both a Soldier and as a Department of the Army Civilian in roles that support Soldier education. Today he tells us about his background, including his part in creating the Institute for Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (INCOPD) and achieving accreditation for the United States Sergeant Majors Academy. Currently, CSM (Ret.) Sparks serves as Principal Advisor on Strategic Education for the Sergeant Major of the Army.</p> <p>Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at <a href='mailto:podcast@ausa.org'>podcast@ausa.org</a>.</p> <ul><li>Guest: Command Sergeant Major (Retired) John D. Sparks, Principal Advisor on Strategic Education for the Sergeant Major of the Army</li> <li>Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs</li> </ul> <p>Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.</p> <p> </p> <p>Resources:</p> <p>Institute for Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (INCOPD) Web: <a href='https://www.tradoc.army.mil/Organizations/TRADOC-Staff/Institute-for-NCO-Professional-Development/About-Us/'>About INCOPD</a></p> <p>United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Web: <a href='https://www.ncoworldwide.army.mil/Academics/Sergeants-Major-Academy/'>About USASMA</a></p> <p>NCO Leadership Center of Excellence Web: <a href='https://www.ncoworldwide.army.mil/'>https://www.ncoworldwide.army.mil/</a> Facebook: @NCOLCoE Twitter: @NCOL_CoE LinkedIn: @The NCO Leadership Center of Excellence</p> <p>Sergeant Major of the Army Web: <a href='https://www.army.mil/leaders/sma/'>https://www.army.mil/leaders/sma/</a> Twitter: @16thSMA</p> <p>AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs Web: <a href='https://www.ausa.org