FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- The 11th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade officially welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Allen during an assumption of responsibility ceremony held Tuesday on Brown Parade Field.

Allen has served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, and is the senior enlisted leader in the command and the principal advisor to the commander on all facets of unit operations.

In recognition of Allen’s arrival, Col. Patrick Dedham, 11th TTSB brigade commander passed a noncommissioned officer sword to his incoming command sergeant major in a symbolic exchange of the sacred trust placed in the corps for the care and keeping of the unit.

The sword is a completely functional weapon, not intended for display, but for hard dedicated use. Adopted by the War Department in 1840 as a symbol of the NCOs' loyalty and dedication, the sword is passed to the new command sergeant major to signify the establishment of his responsibilities.

Dedham introduced Allen by saying, “Command Sergeant Major Allen’s accomplishments over 25 years in our Army are very inspiring. He has served in every leadership position from team chief to command sergeant major.”

“He has served in a huge variety of units from tactical to strategic and has excelled in both civilian education and military schools. He’s persevered through deployments and other tough missions as well as tackling complex problems. We are fortunate and proud that Earl Allen is our brigade command sergeant major,” he said.

Allen then addressed the formation of Soldiers that was completely executed by NCOs. “Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Blink, said you can judge a group of people within 90 seconds of meeting them. Looking on the field today, I see a group of professional NCOs standing before me and I want you all to know that I am deeply honored to be your command sergeant major.”

He then turned his attention towards Dedham and said, “I’m looking forward to our journey over the next couple of years. I am ready and looking forward in assisting you in carrying out your command intent, making your vision a reality, and accomplishing the mission of the brigade. With that said, Sir, Sergeant Major Allen is signing on the net.”

Allen joins 11th TTSB following his last assignment as the garrison command sergeant major, U.S. Army Garrison Natick, Mass. His deployments include Operation Deny Flight, Operation Deliberate Force, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer studies and a Master’s in military management. Allen is a native of Live Oak, Fla., and is married to the former Demetrice Johnson.