Warrant Officer Class One Dave Alder appointed Sergeant Major of the Army

Since 2023 WO1 Alder has been serving as the Special Operations Command Sergeant Major.

WO1 Alder enlisted into the NZ Army in 1992 and graduated as a combat engineer. He later successfully completed the Commando Selection Course and has since held a variety of appointments within 1 NZSAS, across Army General Staff and Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand.

“I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been chosen to serve as the Army's 17th Sergeant Major,” WO1 Alder said.

“It is genuinely humbling to have been selected from a group of capable and competent senior enlisted leaders.”

The Sergeant Major of the Army is a member of the personal staff of the Chief of Army, and advises the Chief of Army on all matters affecting soldiers. He is essentially the eyes and ears of both the Chief of Army and the soldiers, and ensures both can communicate and be heard effectively.

“As the Chief of Army has previous indicated, we are operating in a challenging strategic environment. However, these challenges also allow the Army to be more creative and innovative in its approaches to current and emerging trends and threats. This may require us to approach things differently, and challenge the status quo.”

WO1 Alder was selected from a highly skilled peer group during the Sergeant Major of the Army selection board and takes up responsibility on 5 September 2024.

On the appointment, Major General Rose King says WO1 Alder has displayed exceptional leadership throughout his career in the Army.

“I have no doubt that WO1 Alder will continue to deliver in the privileged and hugely significant role of being the Army’s Sergeant Major. Throughout his career he has proven himself to be a real leader - not only through his actions at home and abroad, but also in how he has continually developed himself professionally.

“I’m looking forward to working with him as we navigate a pivotal chapter in Army’s story, keeping our soldiers front of mind.”