In this powerful episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing today’s Army: suicide. But this isn’t just another conversation on prevention, it’s a call to reframe the entire model. Drawing from previous episodes and firsthand experience, they introduce a proactive approach focused on Preservation of Life, where leadership, connection, and culture take center stage. You’ll hear about what today’s Soldiers are really facing, why the current model is outdated, and how NCOs at every echelon can shift the narrative. If you believe leadership is more than metrics, this one’s for you.

What happens when leaders stop leading themselves? In this hard-hitting episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones take on a growing concern in today’s Army: the erosion of personal discipline among leaders. From daily habits to presence in the formation, we explore how small lapses become cultural fractures, and how NCOs can reset the standard from the inside out. This episode offers practical strategies, honest reflection, and a motivating challenge to every leader: fix yourself first, and your formation will follow. Because the discipline gap isn’t just about appearances, it’s about trust, readiness, and legacy.

As technology reshapes the modern battlefield, the role of the NCO remains irreplaceable. In this powerful episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones break down how NCOs can lead, adapt, and thrive in the era of artificial intelligence. From using AI tools to improve admin and training, to staying grounded in presence and purpose, this episode challenges every leader to grow with the Army, not against it. The future belongs to those who can evolve without losing their edge. Lead smart. Lead strong. Lead now.

As the Army continues its transformation to face the challenges of large-scale combat operations and global uncertainty, the role of the Noncommissioned Officer has never been more critical. In this episode, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones dive deep into what it really means to prepare Soldiers for the future fight, not just with reps and drills, but with judgment, adaptability, and trust. From balancing tradition and transformation, to being brilliant at the basics, to leading change without losing the culture, this episode is a call to action for leaders at every echelon. If you're serious about building lethal, thinking, resilient Soldiers, this conversation is your blueprint.

In this powerful episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones unpack one of the most defining traits of any unit: command climate. But this isn’t just a buzzword, it’s your presence, your tone, and your ownership as a leader. Together, they challenge NCOs to stop waiting on higher and start shaping the culture from the ground up. From addressing toxic microcultures to building daily trust through micro-actions, this conversation is a raw, honest look at what it truly means to lead in today’s Army. Because at the end of the day, the climate you allow is the legacy you leave. And if you’re close to the formation, you’re responsible for its heartbeat.

In celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday, this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange dives deep into the legacy, values, and leadership that have carried our force through every conflict, crisis, and campaign. Join Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones as they explore what it means to be an NCO in this historic moment, how to honor the past without getting stuck in it, how to lead through change, and how to carry the torch with character and clarity. This episode is a rallying cry for today’s leaders to rise up, reflect, and recommit. Because the future of the Army isn’t just about modernization, it’s about mentorship, morale, and the example we set today. Because of you, our Army is better!

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones break down one of the most overlooked responsibilities of an NCO, being a teacher.

From correcting small mistakes to coaching Soldiers through their first counseling, the NCO’s role as a teacher shapes more than just the day, it shapes the future of the Army.

They reflect on the Soldier’s Request, “Train me, Sergeant, that I too can earn the title ‘Sergeant.’”, and challenge leaders to build a learning culture where mentorship is intentional, not accidental.

If you’re leading but not teaching, you’re leaving potential on the table. This episode is your call to slow down, break it down, and build the next generation of leaders, one Soldier at a time.

Because of you, our Army is better!

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones call leaders back to one of the most overlooked but powerful tools of leadership, counseling.

They break down why counseling isn’t just a form, it’s a lifeline. Through personal stories and raw leadership truth, they show how real counseling builds trust, shapes careers, and prevents problems before they start.

If you’ve ever rushed a session, skipped the follow-up, or told yourself “it’s just a formality”, this episode is your wake-up call. Because the future of the Army isn’t written in policy, it’s written in conversations between leaders and Soldiers, one counseling at a time.

Because of you, our Army is better!

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones break down some of the most iconic leadership quotes from General James “Mad Dog” Mattis, originally compiled by journalist Louis Nelson in (2016).

From decision-making and mindset to discipline, presence, and command, this episode explores how Mattis’ principles challenge today’s NCOs to lead with clarity, composure, and consistency. With real-world reflections and tactical insights, Cashe and Jones connect timeless warrior wisdom to the demands of modern Army leadership, and remind us that readiness is about more than tactics. It’s about tone, trust, and truth.

Because of you, our Army is better!

In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones strip away the buzzwords and get real about what command climate actually is, and how every leader, regardless of rank, plays a role in shaping it.

From identifying subtle culture killers to offering tactical ways to reset broken climates, this episode speaks directly to squad leaders, team chiefs, and junior NCOs who may not wear the title of "commander", but absolutely set the tone in their formations.

Through personal stories, practical insight, and a powerful call to action, this episode reminds us that when culture drifts, leaders don’t wait for rescue, they course correct from where they stand.

Because of you, our Army is better. Let’s prove it, by how we lead every day.