Post gets new command sergeant major

When Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian took over responsibility for Fort Jackson from Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Hain in a ceremony at the Solomon Center Jan. 14 he wasn't coming as a stranger to the post.

Earlier that morning, Christian relinquished command of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy to Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Gilmer.

Even after handing over the reins to the Academy, Christian would always remember the time he spent there.

"There are many (fond memories)," he reminisced, "but the day we conducted our First Annual Drill Sergeant Academy Commandant's Cup Competition stands out as the day the organization came together as one in the spirit of competition.

"This was the day I realized beyond any shape of the imagination, this was the team to be part of."

There would be many other memories and milestones the Academy would set during his tenure.

Among these there is a lasting partnership with the New York City Fire Department and a growing spirit of volunteerism culminating in drill sergeant candidates spontaneously helping flood victims in Columbia, South Carolina.

There will be more memories created during his tenure as post command sergeant major after he received the ceremonial spontoon from Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier, Fort Jackson's commander.

The spontoon, a pole-like weapon similar to a spear and containing ribbons with each Fort Jackson command sergeant major's name on them, symbolizes how the senior enlisted advisor is charged with ensuring the accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of the Soldiers.

"The only comfort we have in these kinds of ceremonies is that we bid farewell to a great Soldier and Family and we get to welcome a great Soldier and Family right behind (him)," Cloutier said during the change of responsibility ceremony.

The Christian family is "phenomenal" with many years of experience. "He brings a storied history of service to our nation and Soldiers," Cloutier added.

Christian has nearly 30 years Army experience including stints as a parachute rigger, drill sergeant, drill sergeant leader, and the senior enlisted leader for 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment.

Fort Jackson's top enlisted Soldier will be tasked to "continue the trajectory" as the post moves towards marking its centennial in 2017. The post trains more than 60 percent of the Soldiers entering the Army, and has transformed "5 million citizens into American Soldiers."

Cloutier welcomed Christian by saying he looks "forward to sharing the sacred burden of training our sons and daughters" with his new battle buddy.

The senior non-commissioned officer replied, "Sir, I would like to say I definitely accept the challenge."

Later in the ceremony, the post recognized Hain's accomplishments during a retirement ceremony