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174th Infantry Brigade welcomes new senior leader

  • Published
  • By Capt. Antonia Greene
  • 174th Infantry Brigade
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Soldiers of the 174th Infantry Brigade stood in formation to mark the passing of the noncommissioned officers sword Aug. 30 in a traditional change of responsibility ceremony on Sharp Field here.

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Johnson handed responsibility of the brigade and its Soldiers over to Command Sgt. Maj. Calvin Coler, who recently arrived from Fort Hood, Texas.

Johnson served as the 174th Infantry Brigade command sergeant major for the past 10 months, training more than 5,100 service members for missions abroad. He said he was assigned the brigade senior enlisted leader position much to his surprise. He received a call when leaving Afghanistan in 2011 from higher command appointing him a brigade command sergeant major having never served as such.

"My advice to all junior and senior leaders alike is always be prepared and ready to answer the Army's call, even if it's not in your plans," said Johnson. "No matter what, give it all you got."

Johnson reminisced about a time when he was designated to lead Soldiers early in his career. He was just a young specialist in the Persian desert getting ready to cross the border when he was called into the command tent and entrusted to lead a team during the initial invasion.

Johnson thanked the 174th Infantry Brigade commander, Army Col. Craig A. Osborne for allowing him the opportunity to serve as command sergeant major.

"This experience has helped me become a better leader, a better listener and a better noncommissioned officer," remarked Johnson. "When there may have been others senior to me, you supported me one-hundred percent."

Johnson has been reassigned to his original designation as command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 314th Infantry Regiment, a subordinate unit to the 174th.

"Our brigade is better because you have helped us achieve success," said Osborne. "I am thankful for your dedication and enthusiasm which will continue to aid our training mission as Falcon 7."

Coler, a 27-year veteran, will serve as the 174th command sergeant major and senior enlisted advisor.

"This is the most diverse group I've ever served with and there's no doubt the men and women before us are the greatest assets in the Army inventory," said Coler. "Thank you for welcoming me, and we will continue to strengthen the standards and regulations of the Patriot Brigade. Train for combat."

The 174th Infantry Brigade trains and validates post-mobilization training for specified U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard service members designated in support of overseas contingency operations.