Michael A. Grinston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael A. Grinston
Grinston in August 2019
Born	1968 (age 56–57) Indiana
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1987–2023
Rank	Sergeant Major of the Army
Unit	Headquarters, Department of the Army United States Army Forces Command 1st Infantry Division 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division 170th Infantry Brigade 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment
Battles/wars	Gulf War Iraq War War in Afghanistan Operation Inherent Resolve
Awards	Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal with "V"

Michael Anthony Grinston (born in 1968) is a retired soldier from the United States Army. He held a very important job as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army from 2019 to 2023. Before that, he was the top enlisted leader for the United States Army Forces Command.

Michael Grinston's Army Career

Michael Grinston was born in Jasper, Alabama. He joined the United States Army in October 1987. He trained to be an artillery soldier at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Serving in Different Wars

Grinston served in many important military operations. These included Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He also served in Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Later, he was part of Operation Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom. He also served in Kosovo.

Important Leadership Roles

Throughout his career, Grinston held many leadership positions. He was a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) for different groups. These included the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment. He also served as a CSM for the 170th Infantry Brigade. Later, he was the CSM for the 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

He became the CSM for the 1st Infantry Division. In this role, he was the top enlisted leader for the Army's first division headquarters sent to support Operation Inherent Resolve. He also served as the Command Sergeant Major for United States Army Forces Command. This is a very large command in the Army.

Becoming Sergeant Major of the Army

On August 9, 2019, Grinston became the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army. This is the highest position an enlisted soldier can reach. As Sergeant Major of the Army, he advised the Army Chief of Staff. He gave advice on all matters affecting enlisted soldiers.

He spent much of his time visiting soldiers and their families. He watched their training and talked with them. He also helped make decisions about soldiers and their families. He often spoke to the United States Congress. Grinston was also the public face of the Army's Non-commissioned Officer Corps. He represented them to the American people.

Grinston's Military Education

Grinston completed all levels of Army education for non-commissioned officers. He also graduated from several special schools. These included Ranger School, Airborne School, and Air Assault School. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He got this degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Grinston retired from the Army on August 3, 2023. He passed his role as Sergeant Major of the Army to Michael R. Weimer.

Life After the Military

After retiring from the Army, Grinston continued to serve. On January 1, 2024, he became the director and CEO of Army Emergency Relief. This is a non-profit organization. It is the official charity of the U.S. Army. It helps soldiers and their families.

Michael Grinston's Family Life

Michael Grinston is biracial. His father was African-American, and his mother was white. They divorced when he was three years old. He is married to Alexandra Grinston. They have two children together.

Awards and Decorations

Combat Action Badge

Ranger tab

Master Parachutist Badge

Air Assault Badge

Expert Marksman Badge with one weapon bar

Drill Sergeant Identification Badge

1st Infantry Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

German Parachutist Badge in bronze

11 Service stripes

9 Overseas Service Bars

Army Distinguished Service Medal

Defense Superior Service Medal

Legion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clusters

Bronze Star Medal with "V" device with three oak-leaf clusters

Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster

Army Commendation Medal with silver oak leaf cluster

Army Achievement Medal with two silver oak leaf clusters

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Valorous Unit Award with oak leaf cluster

Meritorious Unit Commendation with two oak leaf clusters

Army Good Conduct Medal (11 awards)

National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star

Southwest Asia Service Medal with two service stars

Kosovo Campaign Medal with service star

Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two service stars

Iraq Campaign Medal with four service stars

Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with service star

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

NCO Professional Development Ribbon with bronze award numeral 5

Army Service Ribbon

Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 6

NATO Medal for service with ISAF

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)