Which of the following was NOT one of the five most recent Sergeants Major of the Army?

The answer is correct because SGM John W. Smith is not listed among the five most recent Sergeants Major of the Army. The role of Sergeant Major of the Army is held by a select few individuals, and the most recent occupants of this position include SGM Kenneth O. Preston, SGM William O. Wooldridge, and SGM Raymond F. Chandler III. These individuals have played significant roles in shaping the Army's policies and practices at the senior enlisted level, and their tenures are well documented in military history.

In contrast, SGM John W. Smith does not appear in this list, highlighting that he has not served in that top enlisted position during the recent decades. This distinction is essential for understanding the lineage and impact of leadership in the Army's non-commissioned officer ranks.