The EJPME Spotlight series recognizes and profiles current and former students serving in the joint interagency, intergovernmental, multinational (JIIM) environment or in named joint operations and exercises. This series aims to share student or alumni experiences to inspire current students and provide an example for others to emulate.
Our current distinguished alumni, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony D. Sims, command senior enlisted leader (CSEL), Maryland National Guard provides insights about the impact of EJPME on his career path.
As the CSEL I serve as the primary advisor to the adjutant general on all enlisted matters affecting more than 5,000 soldiers and Airmen who serve their state and nation. I could not be prouder of the work they do to support local communities here at home when disaster strikes or when they’re called upon to protect our freedom around the world.
How has EJPME impacted your experiences in a joint environment?
EJPME is a must to advance your professional development within the National Guard. It fosters the understanding of our other services’ culture, provides insight into the operational aspects of teams and how they perform their missions, and provides the groundwork for communication, through common terminology. Overall, it’s the foundation to start building your joint professional military experience.
Tell us about an experience you've had where your EJPME knowledge came into play.
I recently attended the Keystone course at the National Defense University and found myself falling back on the topics presented in the EJPME courses. I often find myself reflecting on various portions of EJPME when communicating and various encounters with my Army National Guard brothers and sisters.
What is the most important thing you've learned about joint operations?
We now operate in a joint environment more than ever before, and you’ll need to arm yourself with knowledge to keep the competitive edge against our nation’s adversaries. It becomes most relevant when operating in organizations like the 169th Cyber Protection Team, 175th Cyber Operations Group, A-10 Operations Group, and during engagements with our partner nations Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the State Partnership Program. Another example is our recent coronavirus operations.
EJPME isn’t the end of your joint environment journey, it’s the beginning. The courses are foundational and armed me with the basic knowledge to function in the joint operations environment.
What do you feel is the most important subject for future joint leaders to know?
The most important thing that I have learned about joint operations is that each service component will bring a different talent and skillset to the table. As a senior leader, you may have the responsibility to understand how to best utilize those talents and skills to complete a successful mission. Future wars will not be won by one component alone. The key to success will require the collaboration of the joint force.
What advice do you have for current students?
Do it! As a member of the profession of arms, we’re required to professionally develop ourselves and be prepared to function in diverse environments. One of those environments will be joint. Complete the courses and establish that foundational knowledge to continue and propel your career.
I’m dedicated to influencing the professional development of the enlisted force in the Maryland National Guard and National Guard. The National Guard is more relevant now than ever in our nation’s history. We’re an active contributor to the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and National Military Strategy. My personal goal is to ensure that our next generation of citizen soldiers and Airmen are prepared to respond when called upon.
As the command senior enlisted leader for the Maryland National Guard the morale, training, and discipline of our members is one of my highest priorities.
Airmen First – Mission Always!
Always Ready – Always There!
Many thanks to Chief Master Sgt. Sims for sharing his experience with our audience.
Individuals may be nominated for this quarterly distinction by the EJPME program manager or their command senior enlisted leader (CSEL). If you are a CSEL interested in nominating an EJPME student or alumni, please contact program manager John Lipps at john.r.lipps.civ@mail.mil.
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These pages are designed as a place for joint student, staff and faculty, and alumni self-development, research, and references.
