DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich.-The commander of the Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Maj. Gen. Daniel Mitchell, hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony Nov. 18, bidding farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Ian Griffin as he relinquishes responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Charles.
The event included a retirement ceremony for Griffin, who capped a 30-year career with more than two years as the TACOM top non-commissioned officer.
During the ceremony, Mitchell gave a brief overview of the history of the command sergeant major rank within the Army, noting that the rank was as old as the Army itself.
"In our modern Army," Mitchell said, "the command sergeant major has become an important asset to the commander, not only in garrison, but also, vitally, on the battlefield."
"A little over two years ago, Command Sergeant Major Griffin assumed responsibility as the top NCO for TACOM. His years of experience have served this command well. He's done a great job of taking care of the non-commissioned officer corps and working to ensure their success as Soldiers and integral members of the TACOM team," the general said, adding, "He's been a trusted advisor and has very positively affected the quality of life for all Soldiers, family members and civilians within the TACOM community."
Griffin thanked the commander, stating, "It has truly been an honor to be your teammate, you're a great individual, and I look in a lot of ways that you and I have been cut from the same cloth, and that cloth is hard work."
Mitchell stated that TACOM always gets the best of the best when it comes to new leadership.
"Fortunately for the TACOM community, the Army has a plan to build upon your legacy, and today we welcome Command Sergeant Major Jerry Charles who follows closely in your footsteps with a similar, very impressive background," Mitchell said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Charles' career began in 1993 with basic training at Fort Jackson and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee as a supply specialist.
He deployed five times and has served in previous assignments including Mission and Installation Contracting Command at Fort Sam Houston, the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, a NATO training mission in Afghanistan, and the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command at Fort Hood.
"I truly appreciate your special trust and confidence to serve as your CSM and join the TACOM team and its contributions to our Army's readiness," Charles said during the ceremony.
Charles is also a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and a member of the Distinguished Orders of St. Martin and St. Maurice.
Griffin, officially retired during the ceremony, will head to Texas to be closer to family.
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