The Sergeant Major of the Army is a unique non-commissioned rank in the United States Army. The holder of this rank is the senior enlisted member of the Army, and is appointed to serve as a spokesman to address the issues of enlisted soldiers to the Army's highest positions. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the US Army. The exact duties vary, depending on the Chief of Staff, though much of the SMA's time is spent travelling throughout the Army, observing training and talking to soldiers and their families. Kenneth O. Preston, the current Sergeant Major, has held the rank since January 15, 2004, the only incumbent to serve longer than four years.