Photo By Wiley Robinson | A family photo taken in August 2024, when Kennedy’s husband, 1st Sgt. Robert Kennedy...... read more read more
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Staff Sgt. Jordan LeeAnn Kennedy
COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: III Armored Corps Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Hood, Texas
TITLE: Small group leader - Basic Leader Course
YEARS OF SERVICE IN AAW: 6
MILITARY OR CIVILIAN: Military
YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 16
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Contracting professional
EDUCATION: B.A. in supply chain management, with concentration in government contracting, American Military University; A.A. in general education, American Military University
AWARDS: Joint Service Commendation Medal (2021); Army Commendation Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters, 2024); Joint Service Achievement Medal (2021); Army Achievement Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters, 2022); Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award, 2021)
BE THE LEADER YOU WISHED YOU HAD
by Cheryl Marino
Modeling the leadership qualities you value builds trust and credibility with those in your personal and professional life, but most importantly, within your team. When you’re in a leadership role, and your team sees that you’re not just telling them how to act, you’re living those values—it fosters loyalty, boosts morale and motivates everyone to perform at their best. As a small group leader at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), Staff Sgt. Jordan LeeAnn Kennedy applies this daily.
“A practice I live by,” she said, “is be the leader you wished you had when you first joined,” which has a big effect on those she instructs. “I’ve seen firsthand how one leader, showing up with purpose and integrity, can shift an entire team’s mindset. And at the end of the day? Anything’s possible with the right motivation—and a cold, caffeinated beverage.”
Kennedy trains and mentors Soldiers to lead with confidence at the team and squad levels, and through energetic instruction and focused mentorship, she develops tactical competence, critical thinking and a solid understanding of Army doctrine. “My mission is to ensure these junior leaders are not only technically prepared, but ready to lead decisively at the direct level, where real-world leadership begins.”
This work is essential to the Army’s readiness because it shapes disciplined, agile leaders ready to support the warfighter across all echelons. The Army depends on dedicated noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to lead its formations because, she said, no matter how a Soldier enters the Army, whether as a recruit, a cadet or a warrant officer candidate, “it’s an NCO who leads them first.”
In addition to supporting Soldiers, one of Kennedy’s greatest satisfactions in being part of the Army Acquisition Workforce is the opportunity to operate at the strategic level-collaborating across the enterprise in ways few Soldiers experience.
“Engaging with diverse organizations allows me to help shape innovative solutions and deliver resources that directly enable the warfighter and support the mission,” she said. “There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing the work I do—whether awarding a contract, streamlining a process or connecting key efforts—translates into real results. I’m not just facilitating logistics, I’m contributing to readiness, ensuring our formations are equipped, trained and prepared to execute. That’s what drives me every day.”
In 2020, Kennedy transitioned into the Army Acquisition Corps because she reached a point in her career where she wanted more (challenge, perspective and impact). After over a decade as a 92Y, she was ready for change, and thanks to a leader who recognized that potential, she found a new path through acquisition. “It was incredibly rewarding to know I was making a difference—often behind the scenes—by helping ensure our Soldiers had the tools and resources they needed to succeed.”
Kennedy brings that same strategic mindset into the classroom as a small group leader at the NCOA. “I train and mentor junior leaders with the understanding that readiness doesn’t just come from what’s on the battlefield—it begins with leadership, preparation and strong support systems. My experience in the Acquisition Corps taught me how the Army operates at scale; now I use that insight to shape the NCOs who will lead our formations from the ground up. It’s come full circle, and I’m proud to bring both perspectives to the fight.”
Her first role in the Army Acquisition Workforce was as a contracting specialist with the 710th Contracting Team at Fort Hood, Texas. “I came in right as fiscal year closeouts were in full swing, so it was trial by fire—jumping into high-pressure deadlines and learning on-the-move,” she explained. Her first award was a Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions, or CHESS, contract to procure computers for the 120th Infantry Brigade. “That moment stuck with me, because I saw how even one action could have a real, immediate impact on readiness. It was fast-paced, eye-opening and it showed me just how much acquisition matters.”
One of Kennedy’s goals when she joined the Academy was to finish her master’s degree (M.S. in applied business analytics from American Military University), which is expected in February 2026. “Balancing grad school with an instructor’s tempo hasn’t been easy,” she said. “But I’ve stayed on course and will begin my capstone this September [2025]. It’s been a challenge, but one I’ve met head-on, thanks to the support of an incredible family and peers who’ve kept me motivated.” Another major milestone was earning her Basic Instructor Badge in August 2024. “That accomplishment fueled me, and now I’m pushing for my Senior Instructor Badge in August. Every step has been a chance to level up as a leader, mentor and professional. I came here to grow and I’m making it happen.”
Stepping into a Basic Leader Course instructor role was a defining moment in Kennedy’s Army acquisition career. Leaving contracting wasn’t easy, she said, but she knew the impact she could have gone beyond procurement; it extended to shaping future leaders.
“Becoming the first 51C to take on this role wasn’t just a milestone; it was a privilege. This assignment has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, giving me the chance to influence the force not just through acquisition, but through mentorship and development.”
While pursuing her master’s degree and advancing as an instructor have kept her challenged and continuously evolving, she highly recommends exploring the Director for Acquisition Career Management (DACM)’s educational offerings, especially the school-based programs.
“Looking back, my only regret is not jumping into those opportunities as soon as I joined the acquisition field,” she said, but looking ahead to her next assignment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she’ll be exploring DACM programs to help sharpen her skills for that transition.
“They’re incredibly valuable for building technical depth, leadership insight and long-term career mobility. Once I wrap up my degree, I’m excited to refocus on DACM programs and explore what’s next.”
Her advice for junior acquisition personnel to read https://safe.menlosecurity.com/doc/docview/viewer/docNE7CCBA584062b3854ffdd777d54706e0322966eefb821dd4ed95f46c75ac673d360547ba3daa and “Learn your career map. Understand how to align it with your goals from the start. DACM offers a wide range of programs that can help guide you no matter where you want your acquisition career to take you. As I tell my students all the time, that first year in acquisition can feel like drinking from a firehose; but that pressure is where the growth happens. Embrace it. Those tough situations teach you to adapt, think critically and build the foundation you’ll carry for the rest of your career.”
Outside of work, Kennedy values balance. She works hard, but also recharges with a spa day, discovering foodie gems or planning Disney cruises. Her downtime keeps her grounded and energized.
“I’ve always had a passion for structure and mentorship. Before the Army, I earned a second-degree black belt and taught Taekwondo, which shaped my leadership style—focused, patient and growth driven,” she said.
Whether she’s guiding Soldiers or building tools to streamline tasks, she brings that same energy—purposeful and committed—to helping others succeed. “Growth doesn’t happen when everything’s easy; it happens when you’re challenged, stretched and pushed outside your norm. That’s how real leaders are forged.”
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 549968 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 6 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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