Rank in the Army is an important aspect in identifying experience, leadership and time in service. The rank of a sergeant major is not just given but earned by Soldiers who have endured many years of sacrifice and worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the Army.
Soldiers such as U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. John Naukana are entrusted to lead fellow Soldiers and play a vital role during the preparation and execution of exercises such as Combined Resolve XI.
Naukana was introduced to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in September of 2018 bringing years of expertise and competency.
The 2-5 CAV is deployed to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve, an enduring exercise to improve the interoperability between U.S. forces, their NATO allies and partners.
As the new operations sergeant major for 2-5 CAV, Naukana’s position includes but is not limited to; ensuring commanders intent is overall understood and met, ensure the presence of collaboration between the war fighting functions is achieved, ensure the support from the company level was extended to the individual Soldiers on the ground and aid was provided to unit missions.
However, to conduct his job properly Naukana had to understand and assess the unit’s atmosphere, operation tempo and the Soldiers mental and physical standing.
“If we don’t have that oversight on what each individuals responsibility does collectively we could make decisions that could be catastrophic to the organization,” Naukana said.
CBR XI phase I presented Naukana an opportunity to assess his role and the capabilities of the Battalion’s TOC. He was then able to make the necessary adjustments in order to create an effective work environment for the Soldiers.
“As we transition into CBR XI phase II it allowed me to refine some of the things that I thought would be more functional,” Naukana said.
Once phase II commenced, Naukana’s role transitioned from the operations side of working in the Tactical Operations Center to establishing a rolling TOC, which could be broken down, moved and re-established in less than four to eight hours. He also kept track of what the Tactical Assault Command provided to the units during specific engagements.
Naukana learned through the various roles he was given and made the proper adjustments as a leader. However, as a leader of Soldiers his role was not just limited to his specific tasks.
On a particular day during phase I of CBR XI the temperature plunged below freezing, sending snow flurries to invade the sky and daggers of cold air to pierce the skin of working Soldiers. Despite Mother Nature’s ruthless conditions, there was still work to be done no matter how small the task.
Naukana took it upon himself to help one of his junior enlisted Soldiers conduct self-recovery on the vehicles. They spent their time maintaining and pulling vehicles out of the heavy snow.
“I think it definitely motivates a Soldier to see their leaders or senior leaders partake in tasks whether its cleaning the latrines, doing police calls or tearing down a TOC ,” Naukana said.
Naukana demonstrates the importance of his role as a leader no matter how extreme or minute the task may seem.
“Your responsibilities don’t change from being a Soldier regardless of your position,” Naukana said. “Take that mindset of what does the big Army need and where can I best influence, regardless of the formation that I go to.”
One of the Army’s mottos includes the idea of ‘One Team One Fight’ regardless of rank or the position a Soldier holds. Naukana is a prime example of what a U.S. Soldier is regardless of rank. He makes a continuous effort to help his fellow Soldiers wherever, whenever he can.
You’re not always looking at how can I leave a legacy behind,” Naukana said. “You’re looking at how we’re going to better the organization.”