The Sergeants Major Academy Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (unit patch) was approved on 2 February 1973, seven months after the Academy’s formation on 1 July 1972 and less than a month after it began its program of instruction on 8 January 1973. Its shield-style design symbolizes protection, confidence, and boldness, while the laurel wreath and star were suggested by the insignia of grade associated with Command Sergeant Major, with the star symbolic of guidance and the laurel denoting achievement and merit.
A flaming torch has several connotations, including leadership (as in a light leading the way), education and training (the light of knowledge), and zeal. The gold tones used for the star, torch, and wreath represent excellence and wisdom, and the Army green background alludes to the all-Army purpose of the Academy and also symbolizing obedience and faithfulness.
After almost fifty years of instruction, the Sergeants Major Academy was designated as a school in the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College on 21 March 2018, only the fourth institution to achieve that distinction. The School’s Sergeants Major Course is the pinnacle of the Army’s Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System, educating Master Sergeants and Sergeants Major on how to more effectively assist Commanders and Field-Grade Officers accomplish the missions assigned to their units.
The ten-month course is offered onsite at Fort Bliss to over 700 Senior U.S. and International NCOs, with more than 1,300 more NCOs—primarily Army Reserve and National Guard members—annually taking the course via distributed leaning.
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Sergeants Major Academy Unit Crest (DUI)