NETCOM welcomes new senior enlisted leader

By Gordon Van VleetJune 30, 2014

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The U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, NETCOM, held an assumption of responsibility ceremony for the command sergeant major position June 20, in the command's auditorium in Greely Hall.

Command Sgt. Maj. Milton Weatherly relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Stephfon Watson with the ceremonial passing of the noncommissioned officer sword.

Watson's previous assignment was as the command sergeant major of the 7th Signal Brigade, 5th Signal Command, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Weatherly took the duties of the NETCOM senior enlisted leader from Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Allen in April this year. Allen was selected to oversee the top enlisted position for the Army chief information officer/G-6, in the Pentagon.

"I'm truly honored to have served as the NETCOM command sergeant major for the last two months," said Weatherly during his remarks. "It's only been a few short weeks since I took responsibility for NETCOM from Command Sergeant Major [Earl] Allen and became the CSM of this premier and dynamic Signal command."

"While it takes a team to get the job done, every team needs a 'top pick,' a strong senior NCO that enforces standards, installs values, and ensures that the jobs are not just getting done, but getting done right," said NETCOM Commanding General, Brig. Gen. John Morrison Jr. "With that in mind, I'd like to talk about our top pick for a minute.

"CSM Weatherly is a top draft pick and we are lucky to have him on our team," said Morrison. "He did more than just 'keeping the seat warm' as we waited for our newest CSM. CSM Weatherly ensured that the members of this world-wide command had what they needed … leadership.

"Fortunately for us, he will not be leaving NETCOM any time soon," said Morrison. And, with a glance at Weatherly, the general added "And, oh yes, we will be keeping him very busy."

Speaking about the new senior enlisted leader, Morrison said of Watson, "When you read CSM Watson's biography, you can see he is a battle-tested leader who hasn't shied away from the hard jobs, world-wide assignments, and multiple deployments.

"By any measure, CSM Watson is one of our very best in an Army simply blessed with incredible leaders. Stephon Watson is no different, only better," Morrison continued.

"CSM Watson, you are exactly the right leader, at the right time, at the right place," said Morrison. "I leave you with one charge. Focus on our troopers, Civilians, and our Families. This great team will never let you down," Morrison stated.

"I am extremely humbled by the opportunity to serve as the NETCOM CSM and look forward to working with each and every member of the NETCOM, Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista team," said Watson as the ceremony neared its conclusion. "I also look forward to building stronger relationships with our partners and leaders dispersed throughout the world."

Ending his remarks, Watson gave thanks, saying "General Morrison, I thank you for allowing me to continue to shape our Army and take care of its people."