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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.— The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command hosted a change of responsibility ceremony saying farewell to outgoing CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty and welcoming incoming CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Jay High during a ceremony at the Myer Auditorium Feb. 5, 2025.
The event also celebrated the formal retirement of Conaty, who served in the U.S. Army for 33 years. On Aug. 2, 2022, Conaty assumed duties as the 19th command sergeant major of CECOM. In this position, he served as the senior enlisted advisor to the U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and medical materiel integrator.
During the formal passing of the colors, Conaty relinquished them to Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV, commanding general of CECOM and senior commander of APG who presided over the ceremony. Turinetti passed the colors to High, which signifies his trust and confidence in his leadership and commitment to caring for the organization and its colors.
Incoming CSM
High said he looks forward to developing relationships with the CECOM and APG community.
“I am an American Soldier, and I have been a consumer of CECOM products for the last 28
years and some change, and I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as your command sergeant major,” he said.
High expressed gratitude to the CECOM team, noting that this will be his first time serving in a civilian-heavy organization.
“I appreciate the commitment you have to the Army, our Soldiers, our civilian teammates, and our contractors; what you do matters to the warfighter each and every day,” he said.
High is a native of Ardmore, Oklahoma. He holds a bachelor of science degree in general studies from Excelsior College, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. High has held leadership positions at every operational level, from team chief to command sergeant major. His most recent assignment was J6 senior enlisted leader, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
During Turinetti’s remarks, he welcomed High and his family to APG, noting that they worked together at MacDill AFB.
“I invited him to join the CECOM team knowing that I could count on him for dependable advice, honest feedback, and a dedication to the workforce,” he said.
Turinetti said he was confident that High will help continue to tell the CECOM story.
Retirement
Conaty’s awards and recognition included a governor’s citation, a senate resolution, the Legion of Merit, the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, and the U.S. flag.
His wife, Shelly Conaty, received the Meritorious Public Service Medal and the Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation.
Turinetti said Conaty led the way caring for Soldiers and served as a trusted professional and advisor.
“It has been a great honor and a privilege to be part of your success story,” Turinetti said. “I can honestly say that CECOM and the Army as a whole have been better off as a result of your leadership.”
Turinetti gave an overview of Conaty’s 33-year career. His past duty assignments include Schweinfurt, Germany; Fort Carlson, Colorado; Fort Eisenhower, Georgia; and Fort Bliss, Texas. Turinetti said Conaty offered a unique perspective because, during his last assignment with the U.S. Army Forces Command, he saw first-hand what CECOM provides for Soldiers in the field.
“Mike’s mentorship is unparalleled; from mentoring young Soldiers to inspiring young children in the neighborhood who want to be in the Army when they grow up, Mike has been a positive force for the future generations of our Soldiers,” he said.
During his remarks, Conaty shared reflections about his career and expressed heartfelt appreciation to his family members for their support. He said he considers it a privilege to serve at CECOM.
“I’ve come to understand just how far-reaching and essential CECOM’s contributions are—touching nearly every corner of the Army and enabling Soldiers to succeed in ways we often take for granted,” Conaty said. “At its core, CECOM is about people. It’s about the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that no Soldier goes without the critical systems they need. It’s about problem-solvers who keep our Army moving forward—experts committed to the warfighter, ensuring that those who serve have the tools, resources, and support they need anytime, anywhere.”
For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/cecom/albums/72177720323626275.
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