By J Mason Kollie
Monrovia, Liberia–Command Sergeant Major (CSM), Joyce N. Akoi of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has returned home with honor following intensive military training in the United States.
Sergeant Akoi is the first female Senior Enlisted soldier to graduate from the prestigious United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA). She returns home with multiple accolades, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the Liberia’s military.
CSM Akoi, a dedicated soldier with over 19 years of service, earned several distinguished awards during her training in the U.S. The awards include, Diploma from the Sergeants Major Academy, Master of Science Degree, Prestigious Presidential Medal Award from the United Services Organization (USO), Certificate from the Department of the Army Operations Challenge, and Certificate of Honor as Vice President for International Students.
Military Career
Enlisted in the AFL on July 22, 2006, CSM Akoi has held key positions, including Human Resource Specialist in battalions and Administrative Clerk at the AFL Headquarters. Currently, she serves as the Administrative Clerk to the Chief of Staff (COS), where she manages critical records and ensures seamless communication within the AFL’s leadership.
Her military education spans Liberia, the U.S., Germany, and Sierra Leone, with training in human resources, leadership, personnel management, and peacekeeping operations. She has also served in United Nations Missions in Mali (MINUSMA) and Sudan (UNISFA), where she showcased her expertise in finance, personnel management, and military observation.
Academic Excellence
Beyond her military achievements, CSM Akoi holds a Master of Science in Management (Organizational Leadership) from Excelsior University, USA, and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from AME Zion University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Administrative & Leadership Science.
A Legacy of Honors
Her decorated service includes multiple medals, such as the Soldier Medal, Forces Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, United Nations Medals (1, 2, and 3), and the USO’s Presidential Medal Award —a rare honor for an international military student.
CSM Akoi’s success is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence, setting a powerful example for future generations of Liberian female soldiers.
