WHINSEC Alumnus first female Soldier named Force Sergeant Major to the Jamaica Defense Force
FORT BENNING GA – Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) students, faculty, and cadre honored one of their former students, Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO1) Audrey Christie, at a Hall of Fame ceremony at the Institute on Tuesday.
Christie, an alumnus from the 2011 Roy P. Benavidez NCO Academy, NCO Professional Development Course (NCOPD), became the 20th honoree onto the WHINSEC Hall of Fame.
She is the first female appointed to the position of Force Sergeant Major (FSM) in the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF). This position is the most senior enlisted within the JDF.
Christie's 22 years of service spans over several units of the force. To include the 1st Engineer Regiment (JDF) as the Orderly Room Sergeant, Headquarters Jamaica Defense Force as a Clerk GD, Military Intelligence Unit as Chief Clerk, the Jamaica Regiment Brigade Headquarters where she was appointed the Brigade Chief Clerk. On 1 May 2020, she posted to the First Battalion, Jamaica Regiment (1st Bn.JR). She was appointed the first female Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) for an Infantry Battalion.
In 2017, she transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister, where she assisted with the establishment of the Housing, Opportunity, Production, and Employment (HOPE) program in Jamaica. The program provides educational and job opportunities to persons, aged 18 to 24 who are not employed or enrolled in a school or training program.
During the Ceremony, COL John D. Suggs Jr. WHINSEC Commandant, remarked, “She is a groundbreaking lady who continues to break ground today.”
During her remarks, Christie commented, “I attended the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Course in 2011, where I learned the mentor principles of leadership and command at that level. These are, by far, the best values that continue to be observed in my daily activities. WHINSEC Core values of leadership development played a significant role in preparing me for the appointment as the sixth Force Sergeant Major of the JDF. The most senior appointment for any enlisted man or woman. This appointment is quite humbling.
As part of my duties, I endeavor to care for the men and women that I represent. These are values imparted on me during my time at WHINSEC.”
In closing, she added, “Thank you WHINSEC for the continued partnership with JDF.”
Throughout her career, Christie attended and completed several courses, both locally and internationally. Here are a few to name; the Advanced Drill Course conducted in Belize, the WHINSEC NCOPD held in Fort Benning Georgia, Warrant Officers Course, All Arms Service Funds Course, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Training Course, and Seamanship Course.
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