The Backbone Leader Exchange

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 leadershi...

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...

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...

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...

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 competenc...

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,...

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...

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 'Soldie...

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 Sold...

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 fo...

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...

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-Leaders...

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...