(Right) Col. John P. Petkosek, commander of the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group, passes the AWG colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Bradley, incoming command sergeant major for the AWG, during an April 4 change of responsibility ceremony at AWG Re...
(Left) Col. John P. Petkosek, commander of the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group, receives the AWG colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Akridge, the outgoing command sergeant major for the AWG, during an April 4 change of responsibility ceremony a...
FORT A.P. HILL, Va.--After serving with the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group since its inception in 2005, and serving the Army for nearly 31 years, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Akridge, the AWG outgoing command sergeant major, relinquished responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Bradley during a change of responsibility ceremony April 4 here. Immediately following the ceremony, a retirement ceremony was held for Akridge, honoring his many years of dedicated service to his nation.
Akridge, a Special Forces Communications Sergeant, was assessed and selected for the AWG in 2005. While assigned there, he served as a team leader, troop sergeant major, and squadron command sergeant major. In July 2010, he was selected as the Group Command Sergeant Major.
"There is little that I can say that you don't already know about the character and competence of Command Sgt. Maj. Akridge," said the AWG commander, Col. John P. Petkosek, during the ceremony. "He is simply an outstanding person, and for me, he has been both a friend and mentor."
Petkosek also thanked the members of his family for sharing him with the unit and the Army.
"The Soldiers and civilians of this unit are what make this organization great, and I have tried to ensure they were taken cared of so they can execute our global mission," Akridge said during his farewell remarks.
He also highlighted his family's support throughout his career.
"My Family has been the cornerstone of stability for me," he said.
During the retirement ceremony, Akridge was not only awarded the Legion of Merit and various other awards for his service and accomplishments, he also received the Asymmetric Warrior Association's Honorable Order of St. Hubertus. The Order of St. Hubertus recognizes those elite Asymmetric Warriors, who have served the AWG with selflessness, displayed the utmost courage and compassion, and contributed to the global defeat of asymmetric threats in ways that stand out in the eyes of his or her seniors, peers and subordinates alike.
Bradley, who is no stranger to the AWG, began his tenure with the unit also in 2005. Like his predecessor, Bradley also served the unit as a team leader, troop sergeant major and squadron command sergeant major. His previous assignments include the 25th Infantry Division and the 75th Ranger Regiment.
"[Bradley] is exactly the kind of leader that we need now to help us shape the future of our Army," Petkosek said.
"Having been in the AWG for nearly 9 years, I know and understand the professionalism, work ethic and sacrifice of every Soldier, civilian and contractor and our families who support [these efforts], to ensure the missions are successfully completed no matter what that mission may be. I am truly humbled to work with you," Bradley said.
The U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group provides Operational Advisory and Solution Development support globally to the Army and Joint Force Commanders to enhance Soldier survivability and combat effectiveness, and enable the defeat of current and emerging asymmetric threats in support of Unified Land Operations.
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