Indiana National Guard Announces New Senior Enlisted Leader

Indiana's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, announced a new state command sergeant major for the Indiana National Guard.

Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Gordon will assume his responsibilities as the new senior noncommissioned officer and advisor to Maj. Gen. Umbarger after Feb. 28 when current State Command Sgt. Maj. James Brown retires.

"It's an honor and privilege to have served Maj. Gen. Umbarger and the men and women of the Indiana National Guard for these last few years," said State Command Sgt. Maj. Brown. "I am so happy to see Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Gordon has been appointed to fill the position. I have known and worked closely with him for over 25 years, and I know he will serve General Umbarger and the Soldiers and Airmen of the Indiana National Guard in an excellent manner. In parting, I wish them God's speed in their efforts."

Maj. Gen. Umbarger said change is always a challenge and that losing Command Sgt. Maj. Brown will be no different. Command Sgt. Maj. Brown has been selected as the Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I have had the good fortune of having the most competent, dedicated noncommissioned officers at my side during all my commands. Jim Brown epitomizes that corps of leaders, a decorated combat veteran of two wars and a living legend in the NCO corps, one of the last remaining Vietnam veterans in the Indiana National Guard," said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

"And still to my good fortune, he and others have ensured the state can continue to rely on quality leaders like Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon. I've worked with Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon on numerous assignments. He has a solid reputation for not only representing the Army values, but also the leadership qualities that inspire those around him to embrace them as well," said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

After more than 20 years of service, Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon expects this to be his most challenging and rewarding assignment.

"The readiness of the Indiana National Guard has taken on a much broader definition in the last 10 years," said Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon. "It includes our fellow Soldiers, Airmen, our Families, even our employers and fellow citizens, and all the preparation that goes into ensuring we are all ready when needed. I cannot take that responsibility lightly, and I am looking forward to working with the state's total force to forge success."

Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon has served as a Command Sgt. Maj. for the 38th Infantry Division, 76th Brigade's Task Force Afghan National Army and 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry. Other duty positions include 38th Division operations NCO; first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team; operations sergeant for 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry and 151st Long Range Surveillance; and as team leader for 1-75th Ranger Battalion.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon was raised in Logansport, Ind., and his civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management from Oakland City College. He graduated from United States Sergeants Major Academy, Military Freefall Course, Pathfinder Course, Rappel Master Course, Air Assault Course, Jump Master Course, US Army Ranger and Basic Airborne School.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon is a resident of the Indianapolis' south side with his wife Mary and their two children, Samantha and Zachary.