Monrovia, Liberia – Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Joyce N. Akoi of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has made history once again by becoming the first female Senior Enlisted soldier to graduate from the renowned United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA). Her return to Liberia is marked by multiple accolades, reinforcing her status as a pioneering figure in the country’s military landscape.
CSM Akoi’s impressive military career spans over 19 years, during which she received several prestigious awards while in training in the U.S. Her accolades include:
– A Diploma from the Sergeants Major Academy
– A Master of Science Degree
– The prestigious Presidential Medal Award from the United Services Organization (USO)
– A Certificate from the Department of the Army Operations Challenge
– A Certificate of Honor as Vice President for International Students
CSM Akoi enlisted in the AFL on July 22, 2006, and has held various significant roles, including Human Resource Specialist and Administrative Clerk at AFL Headquarters. She currently serves as the Administrative Clerk to the Chief of Staff (COS), where she plays a vital role in managing essential records and facilitating effective communication among the AFL’s leadership.
Her military education is extensive, encompassing training in Liberia, the U.S., Germany, and Sierra Leone, with specializations in human resources, leadership, personnel management, and peacekeeping operations. CSM Akoi has also contributed to international peacekeeping efforts through her service in United Nations missions in Mali (MINUSMA) and Sudan (UNISFA), where she demonstrated her expertise in finance and military observation.
In addition to her military accomplishments, CSM Akoi has achieved academic excellence. She holds a Master of Science in Management focusing on Organizational Leadership from Excelsior University, USA, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from AME Zion University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Administrative & Leadership Science.
Her distinguished military service is adorned with various medals, including the Soldier Medal, Forces Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal, as well as United Nations Medals (1, 2, and 3). Notably, she is a recipient of the USO’s Presidential Medal Award, which is a rare honor for an international military student.
CSM Akoi’s remarkable achievements reflect her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and commitment to excellence, setting an inspiring example for future generations of Liberian soldiers, particularly women aspiring to serve in the military.
