MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., July 11 to mentor and develop NCOs from across the installation including the joint organizations such as U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command.
As the most senior ranking NCO in the U.S. Armed Forces, Troxell is responsible for monitoring all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force and joint development for enlisted personnel.
During his visit, Troxell visited the base commissary and observed combatives and military working dog demonstrations put on by the 6th Security Forces Squadron. Troxell discussed the importance of joint force readiness, fitness, training and trust within each organization.
“By empowering troops, they can reach into untapped potential,” said Troxell. “Empowered troops are ready, focused and more lethal.”
The visit culminated in a town hall style all-call for local senior enlisted leadership, where Troxell revealed what he considers the key to war fighting dominance.
“The greatest advantage that our military has is in the human domain and the people of our enlisted force,” said Troxell. “No other nation in the world puts the level of trust, confidence, training, education and empowerment in the people like the United States military, and that, in the end, is what is going to win the day.”
Troxell added that NCOs who understand the commander’s intent and are empowered to exercise disciplined initiative with their agile and adaptive thinking provide the U.S. with its greatest competitive advantage.
“That’s why we are the greatest military in the world,” Troxell said.
We must continue to focus on the basic tenants of being part of the warrior class, explained Troxell, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fitness standards and the ability to deploy forces at a moment’s notice.
“Inspirational and engaged leadership provide purpose, motivation and direction,” said Troxell. “People feel like they are part of the organization when they have engaged leadership, and that is one of our strongest recruiting tools.”