Rank, name
Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King
Unit
369th Adjutant General Battalion
Military Occupational
Specialty / Job title
Command sergeant major/ 42A, human resources specialist
Years in service
29
Family
"Married to the Army"
Highest education
Pursuing a doctorate
Hobbies
Running, studying the Bible, spending time with family
FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King's career has spanned almost three decades and as many continents. In her 29 years of service, in addition to Fort Jackson, she has been assigned to Stuttgart, Germany; Fort Dix, N.J.; the Pentagon (Washington); Fort Bragg, N.C., Camp Casey, Korea; and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (Belgium).
King's most memorable Army experience was her selection as the first woman to serve as first sergeant of HHC, XVIII Airborne Corps, the largest company on Fort Bragg.
"It is normally an infantryman who does that job," she said. "That, to me, was probably the pinnacle (of my career)."
Twelve years after that historic selection, King will make history again in September when she becomes the first woman to serve as commandant of the Drill Sergeant School.
King said one event that influenced her military career was when she served as acting brigade sergeant major during the 9/11 attacks - a position which required her to provide security and accountability for the Airborne Corps Soldiers. The command sergeant major was on leave and when King called him to report the situation, he told her to "execute" the mission.
The brigade commander agreed that King, who was at that time a first sergeant, could take point.
"I remember conducting a promotions board, and a sergeant ran in and said, "They're hitting the towers,'" she said. "The brigade sergeant major trusted me ... he left it up to me to lock down the corps."
One of King's future goals is to complete her doctorate in divinity. She is already a licensed evangelist.
The seasoned Soldier has plenty of advice for junior enlisted Soldiers.
"Find a mentor. Find someone you can ... emulate," she said. "Get as much training as you can get, and learn from those who supervise you."
She also has advice specific to NCOs, and she encourages them to always remember the Army values.
"Whether on or off duty, (your) job is to uphold the NCO Corps."
We salute you!
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