Daniel A. Dailey (born January 11, 1969) is a former United States Army soldier who served as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 30, 2015, to August 9, 2019. Prior to his tenure as the Sergeant Major of the Army, he served as the Command Sergeant Major for the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.
Early life and education Dailey was born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, on December 27, 1969.
In 1989, after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army at age 17 as an 11B (Infantryman). He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Excelsior University in Albany, New York.
Military career
Dailey's military education includes Basic Noncommissioned Officer's Course, the Bradley Master Gunner Course, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer's Course, First Sergeants Course, the Force Management Course, the Keystone Course, the Sergeants Major Academy, and the Command Sergeants Major course. He has served in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions.
Dailey is decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his leadership during the Siege of Sadr City. Later, he was selected as the 4th Infantry Division command sergeant major in 2009. Prior to his selection as the Sergeant Major of the Army, he served as the command sergeant major of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.
As Sergeant Major of the Army, Dailey served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army's personal adviser on all enlisted-related matters, particularly in areas affecting soldier training and quality of life. In August 2019, Dailey stepped down as Sergeant Major of the Army and was succeeded in his post by Command Sergeant Major Michael A. Grinston. Dailey's official retirement date was January 1, 2020.
Personal life Dailey is a member of the Order of Saint Maurice (Centurion) and a member of the Distinguished Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
Awards and decorations Combat Infantryman Badge Expert Infantryman Badge Ranger tab Wheeled Vehicle Driver Badge (Driver-W) Expert Rifle Badge Army Staff Identification Badge 4th Infantry Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia 9th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia 10 Service stripes 8 Overseas Service Bars Army Distinguished Service Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf clustersLegion of Merit with oak leaf clusterBronze Star with "V" device and three oak leaf clustersMeritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusterArmy Commendation Medal with six oak leaf clustersArmy Achievement Medal with eight oak leaf clusters(second ribbon to denote tenth award due to accoutrement spacing)Valorous Unit Award with two oak leaf clustersMeritorious Unit Commendation with oak leaf clusterArmy Good Conduct Medal (10 awards)National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starSouthwest Asia Service Medal with one campaign starIraq Campaign Medal with five campaign starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorea Defense Service MedalNCO Professional Development Ribbon with bronze award numeral 5Army Service RibbonArmy Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 6Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
References
External links Official Site as Sergeant Major of the Army Official U.S. Army Biography