FORT BRAGG, N.C. - The 18th Field Artillery Brigade has gone through several changes in its past year of transformation. In addition for accepting the responsibility to provide long-range-fires support for the 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division and the 101st Airborne Division, all within the 18th Airborne Corps, a significant centerpiece of the unit's history has departed the brigade.
Command Sgt. Maj. Roger W. Jacobs Jr., who has served as the brigade command sergeant major since 2012, relinquished the responsibilities of the noncommissioned officers and Soldiers of the brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Mendez, March 16, 2015, at Scarlett Field.
Col. Stephen G. Smith, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade commander, discussed the significance of Command Sgt. Maj. Jacobs' leadership to the Soldiers of the "Steel Brigade" and his impact in the unit's transformation from the 82nd Airborne Division to the 18th Airborne Corps.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Jacobs has led our brigade through the most turbulent period of transformation - the last five years," Smith said. Without his rigorous enforcement of standards and discipline, and his steady hand, we would not be postured as we are this morning, moving to the field for our first brigade field training exercise as the field artillery brigade for the 18th Airborne Corps."
Since 1988, Jacobs has served in several leadership positions in the brigade. Notably, he served as the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS) command sergeant major, before taking the role of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade command sergeant major. Prior to the ceremony, Jacobs was awarded the Legion of Merit for his contributions to the "Steel Brigade."
"To the NCOs and officers of this brigade, you are remarkable in how you accomplish all the missions given with minimal resources, time and troopers, mentioned Jacobs. "You truly make this brigade shine."
Mendez, a native of Rincon, Puerto Rico, and who recently served as 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment command sergeant major from 2011 through 2013, is ready to provide guidance and mentorship to the "Tough, Proud, Disciplined" Soldiers of the brigade.
"Colonel Smith, it is a privilege to serve with you, and I'm looking forward to mentor our leaders, officers and NCOs in the best field artillery brigade in the Army," said Mendez.
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