Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer shares how failure, realism in training, and ruthless self-assessment shaped his leadership journey and what the Army must do now to prepare for tomorrow. In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer joins Moments in Leadership to talk about what it truly takes to lead in today’s military—and why the journey never ends. From his early days as a driven, overconfident PFC to becoming the Army’s senior enlisted leader, SMA Weimer reflects candidly on his own formative moments, including failure during pre-scuba and the lessons that followed. He offers real talk on leadership, humility, building trust with junior leaders, and why “empathy isn’t soft—it’s tactical.”

We dive deep into what makes leadership in special operations uniquely difficult, the myth of the “gold-plated lesson,” and the difference between mission command and micromanagement. You’ll hear his take on complacency, the pitfalls of artificial readiness, and what leaders can do—right now—to reclaim white space, raise standards, and forge the kind of disciplined, lethal teams the future demands.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone serious about servant leadership, readiness, and building winning teams.

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"Combat Doesn’t Care: How Ready Are You?" By 17th Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer

In this episode, SgtMaj David Wilson, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of II MEF, shares hard-earned leadership lessons from over 30 years in the Marine Corps. From being meritoriously promoted through the ranks to leading Marines in the Battle of Fallujah, SgtMaj Wilson reflects on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and why some combat lessons shouldn't be “gold-plated.” A must-listen for any emerging leader.

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In this episode, Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, shares powerful leadership lessons from his time as a young lieutenant to a two-star general, reflecting on mentorship, peer accountability, recruiting challenges, and the evolving responsibilities of military leadership.

Welcome to the first Moments in Leadership episode of 2025! This episode marks four years of the podcast, and we’re honored to feature Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. A longtime friend of host David B. Armstrong, General Bowers reflects on his leadership journey, the critical role of mentorship, and how peer accountability shaped his career from his early days as a young lieutenant to his current role leading Marine Corps recruiting.

In this engaging and insightful conversation, General Bowers and Dave discuss:

• The power of peer accountability and why young leaders need idealism
• Lessons from early leadership mistakes and the importance of learning from failure
• How mentorship from senior enlisted leaders can shape careers
• The challenges of recruiting and retaining the right Marines in today’s environment
• The role of awards and recognition in motivating Marines
• How young officers can prepare for command and build lasting relationships

General Bowers also shares incredible stories from his time in the field, including a mess night surprise that changed a Marine’s future and how recruiting is more than just numbers—it’s about changing lives.

Whether you’re a junior officer, an aspiring leader, or someone interested in the inner workings of Marine Corps leadership, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons, personal anecdotes, and deep insights from one of the Marine Corps’ top generals.

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• Support the project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership Supercast
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If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it only takes a few seconds and helps more listeners discover these important leadership lessons!

Welcome to another powerful episode of Moments in Leadership. In this episode, host Dave Armstrong delves deep into the experiences and insights of our distinguished guest, Fleet Master Chief Dave Isom. Join us as we explore the changing dynamics of leadership in the military, the culture of questioning among junior personnel, and the integral role mentorship plays in shaping great leaders.

Fleet Isom shares his journey through the ranks, from his initial service in the regular Navy to his esteemed position in the Navy SEALs, highlighting the unique leadership challenges within SEAL teams. He reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from mentors and discusses the balance between formal authority and personal connection in effective leadership.

We also uncover the importance of the Chief's Mess, the impact of diverse career experiences, and practical advice for junior officers and enlisted leaders. Fleet Isom opens up about his career decisions, the significance of taking care of team members, and the essential nature of planning for retirement.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on building a leadership culture that thrives on trust, learning from failure, and fostering a supportive network. Whether you're in the military or seeking leadership insights, Fleet Isom's experiences and advice will leave you inspired and equipped for your own leadership journey. Tune in as we honor the journey of a remarkable leader and explore the defining moments that shaped his career.

Welcome to “Humans Are More Important Than Hardware"– let's dive in.

SgtMaj Cuadro is my first female enlisted leader and was a recommendation from several other SgtMajs, so I knew this would be a good one.  And it is.   

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This episode is with retired LtCol Isaac G. Lee, call sign Whiskey and the author of Hanger 4, a memoir of a combat aviator and CH53 pilot. I read it cover to cover and passed it along to an active duty infantry Captain and company commander because of the leadership lessons in the book. While I think the book is great for any emerging leader to read, if you are a current Capt and getting ready to promote to Major, I think there are some great perspectives contained in the pages.

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In this episode, BGen Jackson discusses why leaders don’t always need a bias for action and how the Marine Corps has to go on, so not everyone is going to get what they want. We also dive into mentorship between genders and how leaders at all ranks can learn from her experiences - specifically where she was successful in receiving mentorship in a male dominated organization. Join us for a frank discussion on both active duty and reserve leadership.

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In this episode of Moments in Leadership, retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott Stalker discusses the lessons learned over his career, including his time in the Defense Intelligence Agency, United States Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, and in his final assignment with United States Space Command. Hear the story of how a MGySgt became a CSEL, a billet normally filled by a SgtMaj and his philosophy on “Best Player”. Additionally, we chat about his time in the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

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In this episode of Moments in Leadership, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) MajGen Jim Lukeman and host David B. Armstrong discuss both MajGen Lukeman’s Marine and civilian careers, showing duty does not end after time in uniform is concluded.  his life and career, including his time as a Platoon Commander time in 1st Bn 2nd Marines, a Company Commander in Lima 3d Bn 6th Marines, the Battalion Commander of 2nd Bn 5th Marines, and Commanding General 2nd Marine Division. Additionally, we chat about his time as a Marine Officer Instructor at Uni Texas NROTC Unit, the Commanding Officer of Security Battalion, Quantico Virginia, and his current role at the President & CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. His insights on having ‘arrested development’, dealing with burnout, and how to deal with laxes of standards provide useful lessons about how to manage complex organizations and those who help lead those organizations.  

Reflecting on his early career, MajGen Lukeman recounts his formative experiences as a second lieutenant, emphasizing the profound influence of his platoon sergeant. These early experiences underscored the importance of mentorship and set the foundation for his career. MajGen Lukeman’s journey as an officer instructor and inspector of Marine Security Guards is highlighted by the critical role discipline and adherence to Marine Corps standards play in maintaining excellence, especially in diverse and challenging environments. These positions tested his leadership skills and commitment to the Corps' values, to include relieving almost an entire detachment of Marines. 

Central to MajGen Lukeman’s narrative is the significance of building strong relationships within the Marine Corps. MajGen Lukeman emphasizes learning from exemplary leaders and mentors can profoundly impact one’s career and personal development. These relationships and the influence of good examples are crucial for growth and success in the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, as MajGen Lukeman explains, is instrumental in preserving the history and traditions of the Marine Corps. Through donations and planned giving, individuals can contribute to the Foundation’s mission, ensuring the legacy of the Marine Corps is maintained for future generations. The upcoming 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps in 2025 is a focal point of celebration, with various events and initiatives planned. The Foundation, in collaboration with the Marine Corps, is working on commemorative projects, including coins, to honor the Corps' enduring legacy and values.

The Marine Corps Museum, managed by the Heritage Foundation, stands as a testament to the experiences and milestones of Marines. It serves as a living space where Marines can celebrate their heritage, with the museum providing a unique venue for events, ceremonies, and gatherings. This fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among Marines, reinforcing their shared history and achievements.

MajGen Lukeman’s diverse career path—from infantry roles to embassy duties and officer instruction—showcases the adaptability and flexibility required in the Marine Corps. His ability to learn and excel in various roles highlights the leadership skills and determination he developed throughout his career. This adaptability is a core attribute for any Marine, illustrating the importance of being versatile and resourceful in different assignments.

Collaboration and effective communication are also pivotal themes in MajGen Lukeman’s discussion. The Marine Corps relies on strong relationships and partnerships, both within the organization and with other branches of the military and government agencies, to fulfill its mission. These collaborations are essential for maintaining and strengthening the Marine Corps’ operational effectiveness and strategic goals. MajGen Lukeman’s narrative underscores the enduring values of the Marine Corps and the importance of preserving its legacy for future generations.

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Want to support the project AND look cool at the gym or when you take your blouse off for a working party? Grab a cool tee shirt here from Mission Essential Gear, where every order supports this project AND donates back to Patrol Base Abbate 

Relevant Resources 

What is Moments in Leadership?

Moments in Leadership is a podcast where you will hear firsthand about the careers of senior military leaders as they share their unique and individual experiences. Moments in Leadership will immerse you in real-life stories where you will learn about the challenging situations these accomplished leaders faced and discover the lessons they learned early in their careers that were the most influential in developing their overall leadership style. 

Conceptualized by a group of friends who served together as young officers in the early to mid-1990s sitting around a firepit telling funny leadership stories, Moments in Leadership is designed to provide some relatable context to the formal leadership training leaders of all ranks and services receive throughout their military careers through the power of storytelling.

Why Should You Support this project? 

I realize all of the leaders who listen to the episodes are at different levels of life, and my goal is to be able to have this project remain free and available to anyone who wants it and your donations help go towards that. Your donations go towards offsetting my costs of producing high-quality episodes. Additionally, since this is a part-time hobby project for me, I'm forced to outsource a good deal of work to others to maintain a regular publishing schedule. Your donations help offset these costs as well. 

Check out my Supercast site and see if any level is a good fit for helping: 

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Other Podcasts Interviews with David B. Armstrong

Scuttlebutt Podcast EP 38

Former Action Guys Podcast EP 161 

Former Action Guys Podcast EP 141 

Former Action Guys Podcast EP 60 

Former Action Guys Podcast EP 54 

About the Host:

David B. Armstrong, CFA, is President and Co-Founder of Monument Wealth Management, an independent wealth management firm he started in 2008 in Alexandria, Va. David received his BA from the University of South Carolina in Government & International Relations and his MBA at the University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business in International Finance. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Navy ROTC program and served on Active Duty in the Marine Corps from 1990-1997 as an Artillery Officer and then received a secondary MOS as a Tank Officer. He re-entered the Selected Marine Corps Reserves in 2003 and served in several billets across the Artillery, Tank, and Light Armored Reconnaissance communities. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in late 2018.