Sergeant Major of the Army, Warrant Officer Class One Dave Alder
The Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is often referred to as the senior soldier in the NZ Army. The SMA is an advisor to the Chief of Army on matters affecting the training, management and welfare of our soldiers.
WO1 Alder enlisted into the Army as a Regular Force Recruit in 1992.
After completing his ab initio training in Waiouru, he was assigned to 25 Engineer Support Squadron (25ESS) as a Combat Engineer. This was quickly followed by a posting as a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) Coxswain, and he underwent training at the RNZN Dive School as well as with the RNZAF Parachute Training and Support Unit.
WO1 Alder completed the All Arms Warrant Officer Promotion Course in 2016 and after completing a successful Sergeant Major appointment within special operations, WO1 Alder was selected to attend Advanced Command and Staff College in 2019 where he earned a master's degree with merit as well as graduating on Executive Leadership Programmes from the US Joint Special Operations University and NATO’s Special Operations University. WO1 Alder then posted from special operations to Army General Staff as a Soldier Career Manager from 2020 – December 2021.
WO1 Alder has seen operational service in Bougainville (OP Bel Isi-1998) as part of the truce monitoring force, in Timor Leste (INTERFET-2000) as part of the initial international force, and in Afghanistan (2011 and 2014) in building partner capability and force protection roles.
WO1 Alder’s previous appointments include Special Operations Command Sergeant Major, Command Warrant Officer Joint Military Police Unit and Career Manager for Special Forces, Signals and Intelligence.
WO1 Alder’s professional development includes Advanced Command and Staff College and is a graduate of Victoria University as well as the US Joint Special Operations and NATO Special Operations Universities. He is a 2024 Lead Integrated Capability cohort member and holds a Diploma in Business and National Certificates in Outdoor Recreation and Security.
He was appointed as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army on 20 August 2024.