RDECOM welcomes new command sergeant major

By Dan Lafontaine, RDECOM Public AffairsMarch 14, 2015

RDECOM welcomes new command sergeant major
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM welcomes new command sergeant major
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM welcomes new command sergeant major
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
RDECOM welcomes new command sergeant major
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (March 12, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command welcomed a new senior noncommissioned officer March 12.

Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Snyder assumed duties as the RDECOM principal adviser to the commanding general for enlisted matters during a change of responsibility ceremony at Myer Auditorium. More than 250 Soldiers and Army civilian employees welcomed Snyder and his family to RDECOM and APG.

Snyder takes over for Command Sgt. Maj. Lebert O. Beharie, who has served as the command's senior enlisted adviser since March 16, 2012. Beharie retires after 30 years of service.

"What a great opportunity to be a part of a unique and diverse organization that is focused on the future success of our warfighters," Snyder said. "From the little I have already seen, it will be a very rewarding assignment.

"I am humbled to be able to serve this command."

Maj. Gen. John F. Wharton, RDECOM commanding general, thanked Beharie for his dedication to RDECOM, the Army and nation.

"Command Sergeant Major Beharie has been the link between the warfighter and all the technology that we do," Wharton said. "He has a vast history of operational experience and a total of six combat deployments. That's the kind of leader who can tell you what it's like in the field and what technologies we need.

"He is a consummate professional, a mentor and someone who exemplifies the Army's values. He simply represents the Army's best. He served as an ambassador, not only for RDECOM, but for AMC and the Army."

RDECOM's enlisted Soldiers provide valuable feedback to the command's researchers on how science and technology translates into the field, Wharton said. He praised Snyder as a seasoned leader ready for the responsibility as RDECOM's senior NCO.

"Command Sergeant Major Snyder comes to us with great experience, and you are who we need at this time," Wharton said. "He has had a total of five years in combat. He brings to us a deep operational experience that will mix very well with our scientists and engineers."

Beharie praised his family, Army leadership, mentors and the RDECOM workforce for their support during his three decades of service.

"I do not want to focus on any initiatives or accomplishments that I may have achieved while I was here. Instead, I want to continue to say thanks," Beharie said. "My family and I are grateful and humbled by your outpouring of support.

"When I took responsibility as command sergeant major of this organization, I was impressed with the capabilities of this command as well as the patriotism of our workforce. The command touches every aspect of Soldiers' lives, from the food they eat, the clothes they wear, and everything that helps us shoot, move and communicate. We do it all here.

"I know our Soldiers will continue to enjoy the overmatch on the battlefield because of the great men and women of this command. For what you have done in the past and for what you will do in the future, I salute you."

The command sergeant major is responsible for the training, professional development, retention, readiness and discipline of Soldiers under his charge.

Snyder enlisted in 1990 and attended Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He graduated from Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, as an AH-64 Attack Helicopter repairman.

The Army promoted Snyder to the rank of command sergeant major in 2008. In his most recent assignment, Snyder served as the command sergeant major of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

Snyder has deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has a bachelor of science from Excelsior College and an associate's degree in aeronautical studies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

-----

RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness--technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection and sustainment--to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.

Related Links:

Army Technology Live

U.S. Army Materiel Command

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command