Delta In The Spotlight

An aura of respect and mystery has always surrounded Delta Force, the U.S. Army’s elite counter-terrorism unit. Their members are chosen from the most proficient in the Special Forces, and among their ranks is Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer, a multiple recipient of the Bronze Star and owner of two Purple Hearts. This past Friday, Weimer left the shadows of Delta Force to stand in the full glare of the Army’s spotlight as its new sergeant major, the representative of every soldier in the Army.

Weimer’s approach to leadership is distinctive. With less conventional Army experience than most, he admits his perspective is different, one shaped by his special operations background and a love for change. He rejects the status quo and welcomes the possibility of fresh solutions. This sentiment echoes the ethos of Delta Force—offering a unique approach to existing challenges.

Command Sergeant Major Weimer
Weimer, as Command Sergeant Major, US Special Operations Command, speaks at a ceremony marking the completion of the Special Forces Qualification (or Q) Course. Photo by K. Kassens

Weimer’s position as the sergeant major of the Army demands much more than a readiness for war. He is now the face of the Army, the one who sets the tone for its operations and oversees all personnel matters. These duties constitute the majority of the day-to-day concerns of the force and fall to him to manage.

An Unusual  Choice

The decision to select Weimer as the Army’s top enlisted leader may seem unusual. While his combat experience is undisputed, his time in the conventional Army is limited, and his perspective is shaped largely by his experience in special operations. This sets him apart from the 16 previous sergeants major of the Army, only three of whom had any experience in special operations.