Marine Corps Sgt. Major D. Scott Frye has a message for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) enlisted force: “You have one guy working for you.”
This was a constant theme throughout his first enlisted call Jan. 27. The new senior enlisted adviser (SEA) made sure even the most junior in rank knew they are his number one priority.
“Getting the monkey off a young enlisted’s back,” lifting the burden so they can be more productive, “that’s a good day for me,” Frye said.
As the SEA, Frye serves as the principal advisor to the commander on all enlisted matters, to include health, welfare, morale, effective utilization, and quality of life.
But, he is quick to point out that his job doesn’t stop with the enlisted force.
“My goal is to make sure every member of these commands -- enlisted, officer, civilians and contractors alike -- know they are part of one team, unified for and with each other,” he said. “It’s this collective effort that accomplishes the mission.”
Frye’s intends to make face-to-face acquaintances and let the people who make up the NORAD/USNORTHCOM team know he is accessible. Once this is accomplished, the sergeant major plans to focus on the commands’ policies.
“I’m going to ensure these great people are supported the way they deserve,” Frye said. “If it’s all well, then roger that. But if I find something that’s broken, I’m going to spend a lot of time and energy to fix it.”
Frye brings a wealth of experience to the SEA position. During his career, the sergeant major served as a correctional specialist, drill instructor, duty warden, law enforcement academy chief instructor and first sergeant. He also served the past eight years as a sergeant major, most recently with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic, North and South in Norfolk, Va., a force provider for combatant commands.
“I’ve crosswalked a lot of ground, which made it easier for me to get up and running quickly,” he said. “There were no culture shocks because I had some degree of awareness and a lot of appreciation for all who make up NORAD and USNORTHCOM.”
Frye’s expectations for the enlisted force are quite simple.
“I expect them to work hard and be professional … to roll up their sleeves every day and give us an honest day’s work,” he said. “And I want them to be good citizens, husbands, wives, daughters, brothers and sisters ... just be good people.”
And in return, Frye says the enlisted force should expect involvement, concern, energy, enthusiasm and loyalty.
Frye stands ready for the many challenges that lie ahead.
“Being the SEA provides me a great opportunity to do things for people. And I plan to take advantage of every opportunity.”