Investing in Sergeants Major

Apply to be an Ultima Scholar

The Army’s investing in our Sergeants Major by launching a new Scholars program for those in the Sergeants Major Course this year. Like the Scholars programs at the Command and General Staff College and Army War College, the Ultima Scholars program is for students who want a challenge behind the traditional curriculum—and to help solve the Army’s most pressing problems.

The program will specially select 12 Scholars at the end of their first term for an intensive scholarly project nested with the Army’s big questions. Over at NCO Journal, CSM(R) Robert Nelson penned an article announcing the program and describing its goals. Read that article or check out these excerpts to learn more about the selection process and the benefits of being an Ultima Scholar.

On the selection process:

Due to the challenge of the Ultima Scholars, SGM-A academic leadership will select only high-performing students to participate. Here’s how the application process identifies them: At the end of the first term, students who volunteer for consideration must submit a one-page statement of purpose with their core room instructor endorsement, last three evaluations, all DA Form 1059s, current academy scores, and unofficial copies of all transcripts.

On the benefits:

The Army will also greatly benefit from these graduates. In addition to developing a higher level of knowledge than the traditional SMC graduate, the Ultima Scholars graduates will receive unique wording on their DA Form 1059, and the potential for strategic-level post-graduation assignments. The Sergeant Major of the Army, the Training and Doctrine Command command sergeant major, and the Commandant of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence and SGM-A will have an Ultima Scholars graduate assigned to their offices.

One of our Army’s greatest advantages is the strength of our non-commissioned officer corps. Investing in our senior non-commissioned officers ensures the entire Army is ready for our challenges ahead.

Apply to be an Ultima Scholar!