FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Warren Montgomery, 5th Engineer Battalion incoming command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. William Allen, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade command sergeant major, and Sgt. Maj. William Bennett, 5th En. Bn...

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade's historic 5th Engineer Battalion bid farewell to its senior leadership during a ceremony April 24 in the Engineer Regimental Room.

Sgt. Maj. William Bennett, the outgoing command sergeant major, and Sgt. Maj. Warren Montgomery, the incoming sergeant major stood before several Soldiers as they passed the sword of the noncommissioned officer symbolizing the duties and responsibilities inherent in the title of command sergeant major.

"I absolutely loved my time in the Fightin' Fifth," said Bennett. "Being associated with a unit that can trace its history to the Civil War was a tremendous honor."

"I learned a lot and grew professionally because of the incredible Soldiers who served and continue to serve there," he said.

Bennett's speech was followed by the formal introduction of Montgomery.

Montgomery has served in a variety of leadership positions and began his Army career here at Fort Leonard Wood by attending One Station Unit Training (OSUT) to become a combat engineer in 1988.

"It's an honor and privilege for me to serve the Soldiers and families of this great organization and I am happy to be a part of the Fifth Engineer Battalion team," said Montgomery. "I'm looking forward to our continued success in our future and it is great to be back at Fort Leonard Wood where my career began."

As Montgomery begins his tenor as command sergeant major, Bennett and his family will move to Fort Drum, New York where he is slated to become the command sergeant major of Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team at the 10th Mountain Division.

"The Fightin' Fifth is tremendously grateful to Sgt. Maj. Bennett and his wonderful family for their selfless leadership and support to the 5th En. Bn. Soldiers and families," said Lt. Col. Chris McGowan, 5th En. Bn. commander. "We look forward to welcoming and serving with Command Sgt. Maj. Montgomery as we continue to support our deployed Soldiers and their families and prepare the battalion for its next challenge in service to our Nation."