A Palmerton man is poised to become the Army's highest-ranking enlisted soldier early next year.

Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey will become the United States Army's next sergeant major, Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno announced Monday.Dailey will become the 15th sergeant major of the Army on Jan. 30, 2015."We have the utmost confidence in Command Sgt. Maj. Dailey and look forward to having him join our leadership team," McHugh said in a press release."His experience, leadership, devotion to soldiers and commitment to our Army make him especially suited to assume this important duty, one that Sgt. Maj. of the Army Chandler has masterfully performed for the last four years."Dailey is currently the command sergeant major for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, and is a combat veteran with four deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one in support of Operation Desert Storm.He was a command sergeant major for most of those tours, responsible for training, leading, mentoring and developing soldiers into leaders.Dailey will succeed Chandler III, who has served in that position since March 2011."Command Sgt. Maj. Dailey epitomizes the competence, character and commitment we require of our soldiers and leaders. I have every confidence in his ability as a visionary leader to help guide our Army through this time of great complexity and rapid change he is a trusted Army professional," said Odierno.As the TRADOC command sergeant major, Dailey played a key role in shaping the Army's plans for leader development and soldier 2020."I'm passionate about the Army, and I'm passionate about taking care of soldiers. This is truly a humbling opportunity," said Dailey.Dailey holds a Bachelor of Science degree, graduating summa cum laude from Excelsior University.The 15th Sergeant Major of the Army will serve as the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. The exact duties vary depending on the chief of staff, though much of the sergeant major of the Army's time is spent traveling throughout the Army to observe training and talk to Soldiers and their families.The sergeant major of the Army recommends quality-of-life improvements to Army leadership and sits on councils that make decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families, and also routinely testifies before Congress on these issues.Dailey will be the public face of the U.S. Army's NCO Corps, representing the corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements."I'm confident Command Sgt. Maj. Dailey will provide good counsel to the Secretary and Chief as he has a track record of being a steadfast advocate for soldiers and families. Throughout my tenure, I have counted on his support and advice, especially in the areas of leader development and the Army profession," Chandler said.Chandler will remain in the post until Jan. 30, 2015, after which time Dailey will be sworn-in to the position during a ceremony at the Pentagon.Dailey's awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (7th award), Army Achievement Medal (10th award), Good Conduct Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), South West Asia Service Medal (one bronze service star), Iraq Campaign Medal (five bronze service stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal.He also earned the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Drivers Badge (wheel), Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Combat Infantryman's Badge, The Order of Saint Maurice (Centurion), and he is a member of the Distinguished Audie Murphy Club.A 1990 graduate of Palmerton Area High School, Dailey enlisted in the Army in 1989.He is the brother of David Dailey, who runs Pencor's Service Center, and the son of David Dailey Sr., a longtime Pencor employee and wife Eileen.