FORT BLISS, Texas – Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Cobb has been selected to serve as the Eighth U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea, after two years as the senior enlisted advisor of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss.
This new assignment is a welcome return to the ROK for Cobb and his family, as he previously served with 1st Battalion, 72nd Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, at Camp Casey.
“My family and I are very excited about going back. I think what I will enjoy the most is being able to interact with the rotational units that come over to Korea,” Cobb says. “I will be able to get a look at units from multiple divisions and see the way they get after readiness and training. I also really enjoy working with our Republic of Korea partners and military forces.”
A cavalry scout by trade, Cobb’s experiences include positions in plans, operations, as well as first sergeant and platoon sergeant of historic Army units.
Prior to assuming responsibility of 1AD and Fort Bliss, Cobb served as the Command Sergeant Major of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and as the Train Advise Assist Command-South Senior Enlisted Advisor in Afghanistan.
Cobb is always learning how to be a better leader from those with whom he works.
“I have learned during my time in the Army that you don’t accomplish or achieve anything on your own. I have been blessed to be surrounded by great teammates here on Fort Bliss and together we have achieved a lot in the last 19 months,” Cobb said. “I have really enjoyed my time here and have learned a lot from the leaders and Soldiers. It is an experience that has made me a better leader because it got me out of my comfort zone.”
Cobb always encourages learning from each other and has some parting advice for the next Senior Enlisted Advisor of 1AD and Fort Bliss, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams.
“Make sure to stay in touch with the pulse of the force. I have learned what we could improve by listening to what Soldiers say. It is very easy to lose touch when you are at this level,” Cobb said. “We have to always remember where we came from and that our Soldiers and Families have to be put first and taken care of. As the Division CSM, you are their voice.”
Williams had nothing but good things to say to his predecessor at the 1AD change of responsibility ceremony July 16.
"CSM Cobb, your efforts and leadership over the last two years have not only brought us together as a division and as leaders, but have made the division better as a whole. Your focus on leader development and taking care of Soldiers have made this division a better place to serve. On behalf of everyone in the division, thank you for everything you have done."
Maj. Gen. Patrick Matlock, senior commander, 1AD and Fort Bliss, reinforced the lasting impression Cobb will have on its Soldiers and Families during the ceremony as well.
"To have Command Sgt. Maj. Cobb standing next to me as part of the command team of this division has really been a lifelong privilege. There are so many things that he has done to make all of us better."
Matlock discussed Cobb's dedication to Soldier lethality, noncommissioned officer development and ability to communicate with enlisted and commissioned officer forces comfortably as hallmarks of his professionalism during his time at 1AD.
"I am not surprised that one of our 3-star Army commanders selected Command Sgt. Maj. Cobb to be his senior enlisted advisor on the peninsula (Korea) where the mission is real every single day."
Though Cobb is excited for a challenging new opportunity in a familiar area of the world, it is a bittersweet feeling for him to leave Fort Bliss and El Paso.
“My family and I have really come to love Fort Bliss and El Paso,” Cobb said. “We will truly miss this beautiful city and the friends we have made here. I can say El Paso is a place we have put in our top five to retire to someday.”
On behalf of all Iron Soldiers, 1AD and Fort Bliss wishes the best to Command Sgt. Maj. Cobb and his family. Thank you for your tireless dedication to the Soldiers, civilians, families and citizens of Fort Bliss and El Paso.
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