Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
golf, fishing, boating, traveling, family
Timeline
Generic

MICHAEL OWENS

Summary

Previous Army Command Sergeant Major (CSM) that is full of life and vigor who is fully driven, decisive, and detail oriented offering 38 years of dedicated experience within the Tennessee Army National Guard arena, from extensively managing personnel and various production teams, to perfecting communication and effective training management programs. Flexible and focused with expertise in recruitment and retention, staff training and development, complex problem solving, personnel conflict resolution, detailed completion of spreadsheets, personnel administrative forms of all types, and bringing a multitude of personnel together to work on the same common goal as a team. Worked to help applicants, Soldiers, and their families that desired a better life, or something different with employment placement, and helping them to utilize the benefits and incentives contracted for during their enlistment. Developed and implemented detailed training strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall organizational mission goals. Comfortable in a fast paced, multitasking, deadline driven environment. Highly proficient in organizing schedules and handling all types of administrative forms, paperwork and reports. Training mentality that loves to research, interpret, and implement regulations, laws, policies, and procedures to help build cohesive and tight work teams for an overall better work and ethical relationship. Command and team management skills to build solid, friendly, and positive attitudes among subordinates and leaders. Highly effective Training & Development, and People Skills, to ensure an effective Command and Discipline focused workforce. Skilled in crisis management, personnel supervision and mission execution. Strong emotional intelligence and committed to successfully handling myself and teams in high-pressure situations and stressful environments. Efficient in planning and executing complex military operations. Skilled in developing and implementing policies and procedures with focus on safety. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills. Ready to help a team achieve company goals. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Battalion Command Sergeant Major

TNARNG, RRB, LTC Richard Stackpole, (615) 313-0960
07.2019 - 12.2023
  • Directed creation of new Recruiter Apprenticeship Program to help ensure better graduation success rate for SQI4 course.
  • Facilitated new Section Chief/NCOIC training program to get Section Chiefs all working toward organizational goals and mission success.
  • Assisted in creating policies on streamlining enlistment process, to include waivers, tattoos, background checks, hot seat interviews, Recruiter Bonus Incentives.
  • Worked with applicants, Soldiers, and their dependents from all facets of life to help find and place them into careers that suited them, both within military, and civilian sectors.
  • Communicated with Soldiers and their families to ensure all applied for, and received benefits and incentives contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Helped Soldiers and their families apply for and utilize educational benefits contracted for at time of enlistment.
  • Advised Senior Leaders on utilizing state funds for marketing items, enlistment bonuses, retention bonuses, state funded tuition assistance.
  • Conferred with management to develop and implement personnel readiness policies and procedures.
  • Reviewed employment applications, candidate suitability backgrounds, skills, and other administrative forms and data on all new hires.
  • Advised management on organizing, preparing and implementing recruiting or retention programs.
  • Worked with senior leadership to develop comprehensive recruitment strategies for long-term implementation.
  • Conducted exit interviews and completed employment termination paperwork.
  • Recommended promotions, rank reductions, disciplinary actions, board actions for those.
  • Enhanced unit readiness by implementing rigorous training programs and performance evaluations.
  • Improved soldier morale and retention through open communication, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
  • Increased mission success rates by optimizing resource allocation and personnel assignments.
  • Collaborated with other military branches to coordinate joint training exercises, fostering teamwork and enhancing overall capabilities.
  • Streamlined administrative processes for quicker decision-making and improved communication between command teams.
  • Implemented innovative leadership development programs to cultivate future leaders.
  • Facilitated clear communication between all levels of command by establishing effective reporting structures and feedback mechanisms.
  • Enabled battalion readiness by staying abreast of emerging threats, adapting strategies when necessary, and ensuring soldiers were equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills.
  • Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
  • Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
  • Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.

Battalion Operations Sergeant Major

TNARNG, RRB, LTC John Rigdon, (615) 393-9535
09.2016 - 07.2019
  • Directed new Recruiter training procedures to adhere to military regulations, and processes, and ensure all administrative forms and needs were met.
  • Prepared detailed written reports and formulated policy and guidance for use within subordinate organizations.
  • Worked with applicants, Soldiers, and their dependents from all facets of life to help find and place them into careers that suited them, both within military, and civilian sectors.
  • Communicated with Soldiers and their families to ensure all applied for, and received benefits and incentives contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Helped Soldiers and their families apply for and utilize their educational benefits contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Assisted in gathering intelligence on processing issues to support Recruiters on ground.
  • Trained, coached and mentored military units across Tennessee to improve readiness and training on Retention and Attrition issues.
  • Helped facilitate Knowledge Management portal to ensure all levels could have information at their fingertips at any time.
  • Stored and safeguarded classified information to maintain utmost confidentiality.
  • Facilitated quarterly in house MEPS Guidance Counselor Training to identify administrative and operational issues to enhance best practices and accomplish goals and organizational mission.
  • Used detailed guidance and procedures to enhance Top 10 Bonus MOS list per quarter.
  • Directed Marketing Department to use CACI studies for deep dive in demographics to ensure target markets were marketed.
  • Provided detailed metrics for IADT/RSP Program on Training Pipeline Success to increase state and NGB goals.
  • Completed NCO evaluations on over 20 Soldiers.
  • Made promotion recommendations for assigned NCOs.
  • Handled detailed and critical IG Inquires, Congressional Inquiries, Presidential Inquiries, and other specialized informational requests as needed.

First Sergeant, Alpha Company

TNARNG, RRB, MAJ Tony Hughes, (615) 390-7391
07.2014 - 09.2016
  • Led 40 Recruiters to meet individual and company goals to ensure mission success was met.
  • Counseled, trained, and mentored six E8 Master Sergeant Section Chiefs on their duties, and responsibilities.
  • Worked with applicants, Soldiers, and their dependents from all facets of life to help find and place them into careers that suited them, both within military, and civilian sectors.
  • Communicated with Soldiers and their families to ensure all applied for, and received benefits and incentives contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Helped Soldiers and their families apply for and utilize their educational benefits contracted for at time of their enlistment,
  • Worked with local MEPS Guidance Counselor to ensure packet completeness and first time applicant projections were successful.
  • Handled personnel issues when needed, and according to levels of misconduct.
  • Worked to streamline applicant processing and sense of urgency from all E8 Section Chiefs.
  • Created quarterly training events to help with issues identified during MEPS processing for greater mission success.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively within team environments.
  • Self-motivated, and strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating strong ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.

Section Chief / NCOIC

TNARNG, RRB, MAJ Routh (Retired & Unknown Number)
01.2013 - 07.2014
  • ..Directly supervised 14 Production Recruiters
  • Optimized processes by collaborating with MEPS and BN Operations to implement innovative processes.
  • Worked with applicants, Soldiers, and their dependents from all facets of life to help find and place them into careers that suited them, both within military, and civilian sectors.
  • Communicated with Soldiers and their families to ensure all applied for, and received benefits and incentives contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Helped Soldiers and their families apply for and utilize their educational benefits contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase production and target new markets.
  • Recommended process improvements to streamline production workflows.
  • Improved productivity initiatives, managed budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
  • Drafted training schedules, and conducted training for weekly, monthly, and quarterly Production Recruiter sustainment training.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired Recruiters to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Established production standards and productivity goals for section, prioritizing tasks to reach deadlines and mission goals.
  • Directed or coordinated budget activities to fund operations and events to maximize Return on Investments.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting subordinate relationships.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and procedures for daily operations for all administrative enlistment forms.
  • Developed strong relationships with external partners to ensure timely collaboration on projects.
  • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support for professional development.
  • Transformed underperforming personnel through strategic leadership and targeted performance improvement initiatives.
  • Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in increased productivity.
  • Boosted employee morale by developing positive organizational culture focused on recognition and growth opportunities.
  • Facilitated successful cross-departmental collaborations to achieve shared goals more efficiently.
  • Evaluated employee performance fairly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement efforts.
  • Spearheaded change management initiatives that resulted in improved adaptability among team members during periods of transition.
  • Conducted performance reviews to identify employee strengths and encourage professional development opportunities.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.

RRB

TNARNG, RRB, OPS NCOIC, MSG Steven Armstrong
03.2011 - 01.2013
  • Processed all enlistment waivers, and administrative forms and documents to ensure processes were streamlined for accuracy and timeliness.
  • Worked with applicants, Soldiers, and their dependents from all facets of life to help find and place them into careers that suited them, both within military, and civilian sectors.
  • Communicated with Soldiers and their families to ensure all applied for, and received all benefits and incentives contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Helped Soldiers and their families apply for and utilize their educational benefits contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Worked closely with three MEPS Guidance Counselors to ensure quality control measures were in place to increase mission success.
  • Created new hire in processing training to ensure all new hires were well versed before attending SQI4.
  • Worked diligently with G1 to ensure vacancies were correct so Recruiters were able to enlist into them.
  • Took charge of DTMS to ensure all mandatory training was accurate and Soldiers receive credit for their training.
  • Assessed complex documentation for applicants with issues in order to create streamlined processes at MEPS.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environments.
  • Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.

Production Recruiter

TNARNG, RRB, MSG Freddy McCollum
01.2000 - 03.2011
  • Prospect assigned area to find and enlist applicants.
  • Worked with applicants, Soldiers, and their dependents from all facets of life to help find and place them into careers that suited them, both within military, and civilian sector.
  • Communicated with Soldiers and their families to ensure all applied for, and received all benefits and incentives contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Helped Soldiers and their families apply for and utilize their educational benefits contracted for at time of their enlistment.
  • Worked detailed enlistment waivers to ensure accuracy for all applicants needing them for enlistment.
  • Created long lasting relationships with area COIs/VIPs to build networks of key influencers at local high schools and colleges.
  • Facilitated retention and attrition training at local assigned unit to increase readiness and meet state and NGB goals.
  • Work with senior leaders to better understand local, state, and national policies and regulations for smooth processing.
  • Enlisted over 220 Soldiers.
  • Built communications networks to help entire team communicate with school officials.
  • Used effective listening and communication techniques to ensure mutual understanding between leadership and myself.
  • Valuable team player that helped other Recruiters with waivers and processing guidance.
  • Enhanced candidate pool by implementing targeted sourcing strategies and utilizing various platforms.
  • Streamlined interview processes for more efficient hiring, resulting in reduced time-to-fill rate.
  • Conducted comprehensive candidate screenings, ensuring proper fit for available positions.
  • Maintained accurate records of candidates'' information and hiring statuses using applicant tracking systems, with very detailed administrative forms and documentation.
  • Implemented creative recruitment methods to attract top talent within competitive job markets.
  • Coordinated job fairs and open houses to expand reach and increase awareness of job opportunities.
  • Established solid partnerships with educational institutions, providing access to recent graduates as potential hires.
  • Facilitated smooth onboarding processes for new employees by coordinating orientation sessions and training programs.
  • Improved overall recruiting efficiency by continuously evaluating metrics and adjusting strategies accordingly.
  • Managed communication with applicants throughout Tennessee entire recruitment process to ensure positive experiences for all parties.
  • Conducted phone interviews to assess applicants' relevant knowledge, skills, experience and aptitudes.
  • Conducted reference checks, background screening and other pre-employment checks to verify information on applicant's resume.
  • Advertised job opportunities on social media platforms and job boards.
  • Studied job descriptions and qualifications to determine applicant requirements.
  • Collaborated with internal teams to continuously improve recruitment processes and execute as efficiently as possible.
  • Placed advertisements, evaluated applicant credentials, conducted initial interviews and pre-screening assessments.
  • Developed and implemented plans to improve recruitment process.
  • Emphasized job benefits and perks to applicants to improve organization's attractiveness.
  • Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
  • Completed human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies

Grantham University
Lenexa, KS
01.2017

Skills

  • Morale Improvements
  • Detailed Administrative Functions
  • Professional Development
  • Personnel Management
  • Discipline and Focus
  • Verbal Reports
  • Professionalism
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Active Listening & Communication
  • Decision-Making
  • Reliability
  • Relationship Building
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Organizational Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time management abilities
  • Teamwork and Loyalty
  • Adaptability and Flexibility

Accomplishments

  • Changed a culture of mediocrity and lackluster work ethic to help drive a 30% increase in mission accomplishment in two years as CSM
  • Collaborated with a detailed team in the early development of The Strong Act educational assistance program
  • Achieved an increase of 15% in production with the NGB Recruiting Bonus Program, which I helped to create with 23 other CSsM across the nation
  • Supervised team of 30 staff members
  • Received many awards and accolades for my research and completed work over 38 years
  • Documented and resolved many personnel issues, resulting in a more cohesive team

golf, fishing, boating, traveling, family

In my spare time I enjoying spending my time with my family while golfing, fishing, boating, and traveling. There is not a better feeling than being able to spend quality time with your children and grandchildren while also doing the things you love to do.

Timeline

Battalion Command Sergeant Major

TNARNG, RRB, LTC Richard Stackpole, (615) 313-0960
07.2019 - 12.2023

Battalion Operations Sergeant Major

TNARNG, RRB, LTC John Rigdon, (615) 393-9535
09.2016 - 07.2019

First Sergeant, Alpha Company

TNARNG, RRB, MAJ Tony Hughes, (615) 390-7391
07.2014 - 09.2016

Section Chief / NCOIC

TNARNG, RRB, MAJ Routh (Retired & Unknown Number)
01.2013 - 07.2014

RRB

TNARNG, RRB, OPS NCOIC, MSG Steven Armstrong
03.2011 - 01.2013

Production Recruiter

TNARNG, RRB, MSG Freddy McCollum
01.2000 - 03.2011

Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies

Grantham University
MICHAEL OWENS