FORT BLISS, Texas – Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, the vice president of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), held a leader’s professional development (LPD) training for all non-commissioned officers (NCO’s) August 23, 2018 at the Centennial Club.
Preston informed the NCO’s on various topics such as the pillars of learning, the percentage of enlisted Soldiers, the new physical fitness test, the Army’s mission, finance, military education and recruiting/retention. He also opened the floor to answer any questions or concerns.
Preston said he feels great about coming out to conduct LPD training. Every chance he gets, he finds an opportunity to engage with the units.
“I have a great boss that gives me the opportunity to travel,” Preston said with a smile. “This is what AUSA does. We were created by the Army in 1950 to serve as a voice for the Army and we provide support to the Soldiers.”
Preston spoke on how every individual should prep themselves and make self-development a necessity.
“For NCO’s of all ranks, you should seek out the opportunities to take and pass on experiences that you have learned throughout your career,” said Preston. “You have to pass that on to the next generation of leaders. The most important thing that we do as NCO’s is to professionally grow and develop our replacements.”
The AUSA’s main priority is to educate, inform and connect.
“The Army as an institution has to continue to evolve and get better,” said Preston. “The only way it can do that is if all of us, regardless of our rank, as we go through our service, take the opportunity to give back to the Army, our Soldiers, our families and society.”
Reflecting on the Army’s mission, Preston emphasized the importance of retaining the best Soldiers and growing the Army.
“I’m a believer in what President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country,’” said Preston. “I also believe, give to others before you ask for yourself.”
When a Pfc. asked him how to become a Sgt. Maj., Preston encouraged that young Soldier to become an expert at his job and take everything he learned and become a teacher. Preston took his own advice and this is why he continues to serve.
“I love to serve,” said Preston. “At some point, the Army is going to tell you it’s time to go home. When I got to the point when there was not another assignment, I realized I was blessed and honored. It’s one of those things where I gain far more from helping others than what they really gain from me. I know in my heart it’s the right thing to do.”
“I’m proud and honored to be here with Soldiers,” Preston continued. “I think Soldiers today are the crown jewels of our nation. When I look at it now as a civilian, I see the greatness of what our military services do.”
Preston said there is a lot of work in the world that needs to be done and he encouraged all NCO’s to become a subject matter expert at their profession while remaining committed to the standard.
“As we continue to evolve in the future, the world is a very dangerous place,” Preston concluded. “We are going to need an Army that is flexible with adaptable leaders and that have the communication and critical skills. They have to have the ability to understand the strategic implications of the decisions they make.”
(By Sgt. La’Shawna Custom, 32d AAMDC Public Affairs NCO)