What year was the first SMA inducted?

The first Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA), William O. Wooldridge, was inducted in 1966. This role was created to establish a single enlisted advisor to the Army Chief of Staff and to represent the enlisted soldiers’ interests at a senior level. The establishment of this position marked a significant evolution in leadership within the U.S. Army, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated voice for enlisted personnel at the highest levels of military decision-making. This historical development paved the way for future SMAs to provide guidance and representation for enlisted soldiers, ensuring their concerns and challenges are acknowledged and addressed.