Episode 25: John Wayne Troxell

For almost 40 years, John Wayne Troxell was a Soldier’s Soldier. A warfighter and an old-school NCO revered by the troops, he rose through the ranks, leading and advising in the most strategic positions in the U.S. military. The culmination of a remarkable career was his assignment as the third-ever Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC), the senior NCO in all of the U.S. military, a position he held during the Obama and Trump administrations.  SEAC Troxell was the “e-tool Sergeant Major,” brandishing a shovel to publicly threaten ISIS. He was the SEAC who visited military bases all over the country and spoke with every service member he passed by. SEAC Troxell retired at the end of 2019, but remains active on social media and involved in veterans issues. While Troxell was a beloved figure by many, his time in the Pentagon was not without controversy. His aggressive, confrontational approach made enemies and his style wasn’t for everyone. Troxell visited Fort Bragg and stopped by the 18th Airborne Corps studio for a discussion in which nothing was off the table. Candid as ever, Troxell addresses his legacy, the highs and lows of a long career, and what he is focused on now. He talks about how he bounced back from adversity after his suspension as SEAC, and about how he advised some of the most important figures in the world. This is an interesting discussion for anyone focused on leadership, resilience, and work-life balance. SEAC Troxell does not disappoint, does not hold back, and offers life lessons for all of us. We release new episodes of the 18th Airborne Corps podcast every Tuesday and Thursday. The show offers insight and wisdom for Army leaders from history, current events, or future technology. If you have a suggestion for the show, please reach out at [email protected].