Command Sergeant Major bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter WIng Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Fort Rucker U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence NCO Academy Commandant gave his last briefing to the Tyndall Air Force Base Airey NCO Academy March 29, due to his upcoming retirement.

Command Sergeant Major Marlin Smith has been a regular speaker at the Academy for more than two years. His role is to familiarize students with how the Army runs and operates.

"My goal is to share how Army NCOs train and how it compares with their training," said Command Sergeant Major Smith. "I also talk to them about lessons we have learned and some of the ways the Air Force has served in Army units. I like to teach more about what we have in common, which is leadership, then what we don't."

A current Academy student felt the briefing was an eye-opener.

"I like how he tied the services together," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Gero, 78th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, Robbins AFB, Ga. "He made me realize how much we work with the Army and the other branches of service."

Command Sergeant Major Smith wants to ensure what the students have learned is put to good use once they graduate.

"I know the curriculum is good," said Command Sergeant Major Smith. "But, they should be able to learn from their peers who are sitting beside them in class, from their victories to their life lessons, and take that back and lead by example."

Although Command Sergeant Major Smith has not yet set plans for after retirement, he said one thing was for sure. He wants to stay near his soldiers.

"I love being around the soldiers," said Command Sergeant Major Smith. "I am thankful for their service; it is amazing to me what young folks do these days. The more you stay around the younger troops the easier it is to stay young."

Chief Master Sergeant Malcom McVicar, Airey NCO Academy Commandant, presented Comman Sergeant Major Smith with an Airman's coin after his final speech.

"His delivery will be missed," said Chief McVicar. "He was very taken back by the coin. He has so much Airmanship even though he is a soldier."