McKinney’s Service
- 1950 – born in Monticello, FL;
- 1968 – entered the US Army;
- 1969-1970 – Vietnam;
- 30 years of service;
- 20 years – armored cavalryman.
The 10th Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Gene C. McKinney was born in Monticello, FL in 1950. Being 18 years old, he entered the US Army and was trained Fort Knox, KY. His service lasted for more than 30 years, which provided him with an opportunity to perform his duties at different positions. McKinney had already revealed his outstanding skills when he was Scout Leader. With the course of time, the professional managed to become Command Sergeant Major. In 1969, he served a year in Vietnam. In addition to that, McKinney was an armored cavalryman for more than 20 years.
Even though SMA started focusing on the military service at a young age, he decided to leave the army after his tour in Vietnam in order to continue his education and enter a college. However, financial issues made McKinney return to service and continue his career. Due to these unpleasant events, the man managed to become the first African American individual who obtained a position of SMA.
Leadership
- Used his understanding of the army to support soldiers.
- Revealed his interest in both soldiers’ military and family life.
McKinney started revealing his outstanding leadership skills being Scout Leader. With the course of time, he improved his performance and contributed to combat arms. The man understood what the army is and tried to assist his fellow soldiers and their families. SMA listened to them and cared about them, providing every individual with appropriate answers to their questions and required support. Having realized those issues that were critical to soldiers, he successfully managed to resolve them. McKinney visited those who were in the field to speak with them about both military- and family-related themes. As a result, soldiers understood that they were cared about but not only treated as a workforce.
Mentorship
- Helped soldiers to reach balance and peace of mind.
- Treated everyone with respect and was open to new ideas.
- Shared his values regarding duties, formations, discipline, and training.
McKinney had well-developed mentor skills and used them to make others feel like a part of a big and friendly team. He cared about soldiers so wanted to enhance their professional and social experiences. McKinney paid much attention to the quality of life of these people. He wanted them to reach peace of mind because the balance was critical for their well-being and performance. At the same time, McKinney wanted soldiers to understand that he used his authority to facilitate them but not to make unnecessary changes. He focused on a neutral perception of the army and was open to consider others’ ideas.
McKinney recommended the use of a new headgear and shared his values. He stated that soldiers are to do their best during service, but they should not forget about their families. SMA emphasized that everyone should know their responsibilities and be disciplined because the character is the soldiers’ most significant quality. Finally, he underlined that soldiers need to train hard for them to be able to act properly in tough situations.
Contribution
- McKinney’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards and decorations.
- However, he faced several sexual allegations and was reduced in rank to Master Sergeant.
SMA McKinney obtained numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (with Three Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
Even though the professional proved to make outstanding contributions to service, he had some flaws. In particular, SMA faced several sexual allegations. Female recruits stated that he made sexual advances. As a result, McKinney was suspended and convicted of obstructing justice. He was made Master Sergeant and retired soon.
Summary
- The 10th Sergeant Major of the Army.
- Entered the US Army having been 18 years old.
- Wanted to leave the military to continue education.
- Returned because of financial problems.
- Served for more than 30 years.
- Proved to be a great leader and mentor.
- Obtained numerous awards.
The 10th Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Gene C. McKinney revealed his interest in the military service at a young age and entered the US Army having been 18 years old. Right after training, he had a one-year tour to Vietnam and wanted to leave the military as soon as he returned in order to continue his education and start studying at college. However, financial issues made McKinney return to the army and focus on his military career. SMA served for more than 30 years and proved to be a great leader and mentor for other soldiers. He understood their concerns and tried to assist them with any issues they faced. McKinney’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards even though he was suspended because of sexual allegations.
Conclusion
- McKinney contributed significantly to the US Army.
- He managed to become the first African American SMA.
- McKinney valued both his family and professional life and shared these views with other soldiers.
Thus, it can be concluded that McKinney was a great soldier who contributed significantly to the US Army. Being interested in the military affairs during his adolescence, the professional entered the army right after graduating from the school. He managed to become the first African American SMA in the USA due to his leadership skills and active participation in military tours. McKinney valued both his family and professional life and shared these views with other soldiers.
Reference
Henry, K. A. (2010). Sergeant major of the army Gene C. McKinney. Web.