# Daniel A. Dailey

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

A native of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, Dailey entered the United States Army as an 11B (Infantryman) in 1989. He enlisted at the age of 17 prior to graduating high school. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Excelsior University.

## 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 two bronze oak leaf clusters
* Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
* Bronze Star with "V" device and three oak leaf clusters
* Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
* Army Commendation Medal with six oak leaf clusters
* Army Achievement Medal with eight oak leaf clusters
* (second ribbon to denote tenth award due to accoutrement spacing)
* Valorous Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
* Meritorious Unit Commendation with oak leaf cluster
* Army Good Conduct Medal (10 awards)
* National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
* Southwest Asia Service Medal with one campaign star
* Iraq Campaign Medal with five campaign stars
* Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Korea Defense Service Medal
* NCO Professional Development Ribbon with bronze award numeral 5
* Army Service Ribbon
* Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 6
* Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
* Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)