Staff Reports
The United States Army seems to be having a tough time maintaining order and discipline among its top enlisted ranks, with three command sergeant majors shown the door in less than a month. This rapid turnover is raising eyebrows and sparking concerns about the overall health of Army leadership. The recent dismissals include Matthew Carlson from the 173d Airborne Brigade, Veronica Knapp from the Military District of Washington, and Harold “Ed” Jarrell from the 1st Information Operations Command. While these moves may reflect attempts to restore integrity within the ranks, they also reveal a troubling trend that could be indicative of deeper systemic issues.
July and August weren’t particularly flattering months for the Army’s chain of command. Carlson’s ouster was reportedly due to an incident involving an alcohol-fueled sexual assault on a subordinate, highlighting not only poor judgment but a complete disregard for the values the military is supposed to uphold. Then came Knapp and Jarrell, who were relieved of command under less clear circumstances, described only as a “loss of trust and confidence.” Speculation abounds that their dismissals are connected to conduct unbecoming of a senior leader, further casting a shadow on the integrity of top enlisted personnel.
Whoa.
Not a Good Look: The Army Fires Three Top Sergeants in a Month https://t.co/3SIheYOrzk— Dan, cute little Yankee (@DanLtcR) August 28, 2024
Despite being high-ranking leaders, these sergeants major are accused of engaging in behavior that undermines the very foundations of military discipline. Command sergeant majors serve a critical role as the senior enlisted leaders within the Army, yet recent events suggest that some may have engaged in conduct that actively erodes the trust necessary for effective leadership. The idea that these leaders compromised their duties by, allegedly, pulling junior personnel into their inappropriate antics points to a significant lapse in ethical behavior and leadership responsibility.
This situation prompts the question of whether the Army was aware of these issues prior to the dismissals. It seems difficult to believe that seasoned NCOs, many with decades of service, spiraled into these behaviors without prior incidents. This certainly raises concerns about the culture within the ranks and suggests that there might be a protective network shielding misconduct until it becomes too glaringly obvious to ignore. When leaders begin to think they operate above the rules, it becomes a recipe for disaster.
For the military to regain its stature and respect, it is vital that those at the top are held to higher standards. The Army has faced challenges in the past, but following two decades of active combat, it should have a corps of seasoned leaders embodying accountability and resilience. If a prominent figure like President Trump were to reclaim leadership, he would have no shortage of work ahead, needing to root out subpar leadership to ensure that the military once again reflects the values it was formed to uphold. If left unchecked, this troubling trend poses a threat not only to the armed forces but to the nation they are sworn to protect.
