Leader Training Brigade welcomes new command sergeant major

By Mr. Wallace McBride (Fort Jackson)January 16, 2019

COR10
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Leader Training Brigade welcomed a new command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 4 at the Fort Jackson NCO Club.

During the ceremony, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Blaisdell officially handed over the reins of responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon R. Knicely.

"I appreciate the outstanding opportunity to serve ... and look forward to assisting the team with its dynamic mission," Knicely told the audience following the ceremony. "Sgt. Maj. Blaisdell, thank you for the outstanding transition, and I know I have huge shoes to fill. You've built an outstanding team with a strong foundation for the entire (Leader Training Brigade) team to build on."

The Leader Training Brigade serves as the proponent for a range of training programs on Fort Jackson, including Basic Combat Training, the Drill Sergeant Program, Initial Military Training Leader Education and Training, Army Physical Readiness, and executes the Army Master Resilience and Master Resilience Facilitator courses.

"What we all learned from Phil Blaisdell is how to treat others with decency, holding teammates accountable, and keeping a great sense of humor amongst it all," said Col. Brian T. Beckno, Leader Training Brigade commander.

"I wouldn't be standing here today without the hard work of the Soldiers, the NCOs, the officers and civilians of this brigade who are supporting the command vision and mission," said Blaisdell, who has been with the Leader Training Brigade for two years. "You're the ones who have made this brigade what it is today."

Knicely is a native of Sutton, West Virginia, and enlisted in 1998 as a mechanized infantryman.

"Knicely is coming right off the trail at Fort Benning," Beckno said. "You've arrived at the right time, sergeant major, with the right attitude and the right experience. The brigade looks forward to getting you and your family on board."