The Highest Ranking Military Academy Exists Nowhere Else But El Paso, Texas

El Paso is known for many things: authentic border culture, stunning desert views, and unbeatable sunsets. But it also holds a unique place in U.S. military history. Tucked inside Fort Bliss is the only institution of its kind in the entire country: the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA).

What Is the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy?

Founded in 1972, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy is the premier school for senior enlisted leadership. It’s where top-performing noncommissioned officers go to become the Army’s most trusted and experienced advisors—Sergeants Major. It is only available at Fort Bliss in El Paso, not in any other location across the country.

USASMA offers the pinnacle of enlisted professional military education. The course spans nearly a year and covers advanced leadership, military operations, ethics, communication, and more. Those who graduate often go on to serve as the senior enlisted leaders for entire brigades, divisions, and even commands.

Why the U.S. Army Chose El Paso for Its Top Enlisted Academy

Fort Bliss is one of the largest military installations in the country, spanning over 1 million acres. It is home to the legendary 1st Armored Division and plays a major role in preparing soldiers for modern warfare and joint operations.

It is no accident the Army placed USASMA here. El Paso’s geographic location, wide-open training spaces, and strong military community make it an ideal spot for this elite institution. In 2018, USASMA became an official branch campus of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. This further cemented its academic and leadership significance.

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Every U.S. Army Sergeant Major Trains in El Paso, Texas

Many people pass by Fort Bliss without realizing that right behind those gates, some of the Army’s future leaders are preparing for critical roles around the world. Every sergeant major in the U.S. Army, no matter where they are from, must come through El Paso to earn that distinction.

So the next time someone asks what makes El Paso special, you can hit them with this fun fact: the highest school for enlisted leadership in the entire U.S. Army exists in only one place, and it is right here in the Sun City.