The Backbone Leader Exchange

The NCOER you wrote on your rated NCO is a report card on you. Long before it is a report card on them. Every NCO has stared at an evaluation they could not finish well. The bullets are thin. The justifications are generic. Not because the rated NCO did not perform. Because the counseling that should have shaped the year never happened, or it happened late, or it happened generic. SGT Cashe and SSG Jones confront the Counseling Gap, the leader weight of writing evaluations on people you never invested in, and how thirty real minutes in the office change the eval before you ever sit down to write it. **This week:** Identify the one rated NCO whose evaluation you would struggle to defend right now. Schedule a real counseling before Monday formation. Thirty minutes. Three questions. The eval starts there. *Because of you, our Army is better.*

Your soldiers are not watching your mouth. They are watching your boots. Every NCO has enforced a standard they were not holding themselves to that same morning. PT time. Uniform. Counseling dates. Paperwork done right. The gap between what you enforce and what you embody is the exact gap your soldiers are measuring you by, every day. They don't file a complaint. They just calibrate. SGT Cashe and SSG Jones confront the Discipline Gap, the private weight of enforcing what you do not hold, and why credibility is rebuilt in seven quiet days nobody will ever acknowledge. This week: Name the one standard your soldiers have watched you break. Close that gap this week. Quietly. Before you enforce it on anyone else again. Because of you, our Army is better.

The best NCO in the room might be the worst thing that ever happened to their soldiers. Not because they do not care. Because they cannot stop doing. The section looks sharp on the surface. Then the leader goes on leave and the whole thing falls apart. SGT Cashe and SSG Jones confront the competence trap: why the Army promoted you for being excellent, but the job changed the moment you pinned on. Letting go of the work is not lowering the standard. It is raising it. This week: Name the one thing you are still doing that a subordinate should own. Hand it over by Friday. Because of you, our Army is better!

In this Thanksgiving edition of The Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones break down a leadership truth many overlook: gratitude isn’t weakness, it’s combat power. In this powerful, story-driven episode, we explore how intentional thankfulness strengthens trust, sharpens cohesion, and fuels a culture where Soldiers feel seen, valued, and ready to give their best. Cashe and Jones get real about the leaders who shaped them, the sacrifices families make behind the scenes, and the Soldiers who remind us every day why wearing the uniform is an honor. They challenge the formation to shift from a culture of entitlement to a culture of appreciation, where leaders recognize effort, reinforce excellence, and pour value into their teams in a way that lasts far beyond the holiday season. Whether you’re leading a squad, a section, a company, or a household, this episode will help you slow down, look around, and recommit to the things that matter most. Because thankfulness isn’t seasonal, it’s a habit. A mindset. A force multiplier that transforms how we lead and how our formations thrive. Tune in to learn how gratitude, practiced with discipline and authenticity, becomes one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s kitbag.

In this powerful episode of The Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones tackle one of the hardest truths in today’s Army, the accountability gap. Inspired by Capt. Tanner Swanner’s thought-provoking article “Accountability Is Needed at All Leadership Echelons” (Army Magazine, Nov 2025), this conversation takes a deep dive into how uneven standards across ranks are eroding trust and shaping unit culture. Cashe and Jones unpack what real accountability looks like, not the kind written in policy, but the kind lived in daily decisions. They challenge leaders to self-reflect, confront double standards, and rebuild trust through consistency, transparency, and integrity. From the motor pool to brigade HQ, this episode calls on every echelon to hold the line and lead with fairness, courage, and moral clarity. Because when accountability becomes optional, excellence becomes negotiable.

In this episode of The Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones dig into what makes leaders great, not titles or talent, but consistency, discipline, and mastery of the basics. Inspired by the training mindset of Olympic legend Michael Phelps, the duo explores how the unseen hours define professional excellence. They unpack complacency, discipline gaps, and the call for NCOs to reclaim the brilliance in Army fundamentals that once made the Corps legendary.

In this episode of The Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones dive into The Tone Range Fan, a framework developed by COL Ed Arntson and LTC Erik Miller (From the Green Notebook, 2025). Tone is more than sound, it’s leadership presence in action. The way you speak shapes how Soldiers trust, follow, and perform. Together, they break down the three positive tones—best tone, coaching tone, and compassionate tone, and expose the danger tones that erode credibility and create toxic climates. Along the way, they share personal stories of when tone built trust, when it destroyed it, and how NCOs can deliberately practice tone awareness to master influence. This isn’t just theory, it’s a call to leaders to choose tone with intention, because mastering how you speak may be the key to unlocking how your Soldiers perform.

After a pause, a break, or even a burnout, how do leaders come back stronger? In this powerful comeback episode, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones dig deep into what it really means to reboot as a leader. Whether you've been off the grid due to PCS, personal challenges, or just the heavy weight of the mission, this conversation is for you. We talk about why leaders need to reset, signs that it’s time for a reboot, and how to return with purpose, presence, and power. This episode reminds every NCO that restarting isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Because of you, our Army is better. Let’s lead from the front, again.

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.

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones address what it means to lead during one of the most pivotal times in the Army’s history, transformation in contact. As missions continue and commands realign, Soldiers are looking for leaders who remain steady, clear, and focused. This conversation explores how leaders at echelon can be the calm in the chaos, modeling adaptability, presence, and mindset over mood. From anchoring in the basics to cutting through rumor mills, Cashe and Jones issue a direct charge to every NCO: your leadership is the message in this moment. If you want to set the tone and stabilize your formation during change, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones unpack one of the most powerful but underrated tools a leader can wield, presence. More than just showing up, presence is about being emotionally engaged, consistently visible, and trustworthy in the moments that matter most. From missed opportunities to legacy-shaping leadership moments, this conversation dives deep into what happens when leaders go “missing”... and what greatness looks like when they truly show up. Through raw storytelling, personal failure, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode challenges every NCO and officer to stop leading on autopilot—and start leading with presence. Because of you, our Army is better. Let’s lead like it.

In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones take a hard look at one of the most dangerous threats to unit cohesion: toxic microcultures. They explore how small pockets of favoritism, silence, or unchecked behavior can quietly shape a squad’s identity, and derail a unit’s discipline, morale, and trust. From red flags to real-life experiences, this episode equips NCOs with the tools to correct dysfunction before it spreads. Listeners will learn: * How microcultures form—and why they’re hard to detect * Signs that your team might be off course * What “right looks like” in a healthy team culture * The NCO’s role in identifying, resetting, and restoring standards * Why “that’s just how they are” should never be tolerated If you want to protect your formation from within, this episode is for you. Because leadership isn’t just about the mission, it’s about the environment that makes the mission possible.

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones tackle a topic that hits close to home for leaders across the Army, burnout. What does it look like when a leader is running on empty? Why do so many feel it, yet so few talk about it? And how do we restore ourselves without losing momentum or credibility? This episode pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll of leadership, the silence surrounding burnout, and the impact it has on trust, discipline, and the formation itself. Through personal reflections, tactical advice, and a strong call to action, Cashe and Jones challenge every leader to lead with honesty, restore with purpose, and remember, even the strongest need time to reset. Because of you, our Army is better. Now let’s talk about how to keep it that way.

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones break down the leadership lessons behind "Creating a Culture of Excellence: Incentive-Based Leadership", a powerful article written by CPT Brennan Deveraux and 1SG Christopher Castignanie. Recorded straight from the field, this conversation explores how building a system that rewards excellence, not just punishes failure, can transform the culture of any unit. They break down the Bulldog Incentive Program and how its smart, intentional rewards led to real results: higher PT scores, sharper leaders, stronger cohesion, and fewer discipline issues. Whether you’re leading a squad or commanding a company, this episode offers insight you can apply immediately to build your own culture of excellence. Article Link: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2019/January-2019/Culture-of-Excellence/

Step into the world of Army Drill Sergeants with this raw and real conversation that pulls no punches. In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones go beyond the hat to explore the emotional, mental, and leadership challenges that shape the NCOs who shape the Army. From family sacrifice to mental resilience, legacy, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wears, or aspires to wear, the round brown. Whether you're leading trainees, supporting a DS, or reflecting on your own trail experience, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to lead with purpose.

In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones unpack a powerful white paper written by Major Borchardt, LCSW, an Army Behavioral Health Officer whose work is reshaping the conversation on leadership, identity, and suicide prevention in the force. We explore the VALOR Program, Values Added Leadership Origins Revitalized, a transformative leadership initiative designed to help Soldiers and leaders reconnect with their personal values, develop emotional resilience, and lead with purpose. This isn’t just another training block. It’s a call to re-center the force. The program blends warrior tradition, psychology, and Army values into a scalable model that could be implemented across formations, from PME environments to battalion-level resets. Most importantly, it offers a path forward in the fight against suicide, not through policy, but through authentic connection, reflection, and growth. Because of you, our Army is better. Now go lead with VALOR.

The NCO Creed isn’t just something we recite, it’s a contract for how we lead, train, and influence Soldiers every single day. But are NCOs truly living it, or just saying the words? In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones take a deep dive into what it means to embody the NCO Creed in real leadership. They discuss how true influence goes beyond authority, why competence is essential for credibility, and how effective NCOs develop disciplined, lethal, and well-trained Soldiers. This isn’t just a discussion, it’s a challenge. Are you leading by example? Are you earning the respect of your Soldiers? If not, it’s time to step up. Because of you, our Army is better. Now go be the NCO your Soldiers deserve.

The Army NCO Guide isn’t just a manual, it’s the foundation of what it means to be an NCO. It defines our role, responsibilities, and the standards we must uphold. Yet, too many leaders skim through it without fully understanding how to apply its principles in daily leadership. In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, SGT Cashe and SSG Jones take a deep dive into the core themes of the guide, breaking down leadership, training, mission command, and professional development. They also highlight the often-overlooked appendices, including the Change of Responsibility script, the NCO Induction Ceremony, Leadership Philosophy development, and the Army Training Information System (ATIS). This discussion emphasizes the importance of owning your role as an NCO, using available resources, and continuously developing yourself and your Soldiers. Are you just wearing the rank, or are you truly earning it every day? Tune in now and take the challenge, be the NCO your Soldiers deserve.

Leadership is more than just a position, it’s a responsibility to shape the future of the Army, one Soldier at a time. In this powerful episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones dive deep into how NCOs transform lives through mentorship, discipline, and leadership that lasts far beyond their time in service. They discuss how one moment of leadership can change a Soldier’s life forever, the difference between simply managing Soldiers and truly leading them, and how mentorship and accountability shape the Army’s future generations. They also explore the “Ripple Effect” of leadership, explaining why the standards you set today will define tomorrow’s Army. The episode closes with a challenge to every NCO: Are you being the leader that once shaped you? Every day, you have a choice—to push your Soldiers toward greatness or let them settle into mediocrity. The legacy of the Army depends on the example you set now. Tune in and accept the challenge: Are you building an Army of excellence, or are you just passing time?

Greatness isn’t given, it’s a choice. In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones break down the powerful leadership challenge posed by SGM Ellis at an Advanced Leader Course (ALC) graduation: To be or not to be great? ✅ What separates great leaders from average ones? ✅ Why does choosing excellence matter for you and your Soldiers? ✅ How does the 'Soldier’s Request' define our responsibility as NCOs? ✅ What daily actions can you take to elevate your leadership and legacy? Every day, you make a choice, to uphold the standard or to let it slip, to inspire or to settle, to develop leaders or just manage Soldiers. The future of our Army depends on the decisions you make today.

Great training doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by design. In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones break down the 8-Step Training Model, a proven framework for executing high-impact, battle-focused training. From planning and preparation to execution and retraining, they cover what every NCO needs to know to build lethal, disciplined, and ready Soldiers. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How to use the 8-Step Training Model to maximize effectiveness ✅ Common mistakes leaders make when planning training—and how to fix them ✅ Why rehearsals and evaluations are critical to mission success ✅ How to ensure training isn’t just checked off but truly retained 🎙 Leadership Challenge: Are you following the 8-Step Model, or just going through the motions? It’s time to raise the standard. 🚀 Listen now to refine your training skills, sharpen your leadership, and ensure your Soldiers are combat-ready!

In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones break down the leadership lessons from four of history’s most impactful leaders, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and General Colin Powell. From Mandela’s resilience and unity-driven leadership to Gandhi’s philosophy of leading by example, we explore how NCOs can inspire trust and loyalty in their formations. We dive into Mother Teresa’s servant leadership, proving that true leadership is about care, compassion, and the small actions that make a big difference. Finally, we bring it home with General Colin Powell’s principles of trust, decisiveness, and optimism, showing how the best leaders set the tone for their teams.

In this episode of Backbone Leader Exchange, Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones break down discipline, mentorship, and ethical leadership, the pillars of a strong NCO. Inspired by CSM Raymond Harris’s article, The Crucial Role NCOs Play in Strengthening the Army Profession, they discuss real-world leadership, enforcing standards, and developing future leaders. Tune in, step up, and lead with purpose.

This episode explores how leaders can navigate social media effectively, from setting the example to using it as a tool to build trust and morale. Learn how to uphold Army Values online while leveraging the digital space to lead with impact.

This week, we’re tackling the essentials every NCO needs: mastering counseling, navigating evaluation board, and improving your OML standing. Join us for actionable insights to refine your leadership and take charge of your career.

In this episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange, we explore insights from the NCO Journal article Genuine Leadership: the Little Things Matter, by CSM Sheldon Chandler. Join Sergeant Cashe and Staff Sergeant Jones as they discuss how authentic leadership fosters trust, growth, and lasting impact. Article Link: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2020/April/Genuine-Leadership/

In this inaugural episode of the Backbone Leader Exchange Podcast, we tackle one of the most critical challenges facing today's Army: suicide prevention. Drawing insights from the article "Reframing Suicide Prevention: A Call for Modern Solutions in the Army," we explore how leaders can move beyond outdated approaches to foster genuine connection, resilience, and readiness within their teams. Join us as we discuss: Why traditional methods fall short in today’s digital age. The role of leadership in preserving life and morale. Innovative programs like the VALOR initiative and their impact on Soldier readiness. Actionable strategies for building a proactive, supportive environment. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to make a lasting impact on their Soldiers' lives and the Army's future.