Sgt. Maj. Jennifer Bell, who has served in the Army for nearly 20 years, is the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command operations sergeant major.
In her current role, Bell supports Col. Reginald M. “Garrette” Harris, the director of plans and operations assistant chief of staff G3/5 for CECOM. G3 focuses on current operations, which impact the organization between one and six months, and G5 involves future operations/plans affecting the organization for six months and beyond.
This year, CECOM Commanding General Maj. Gen. James Turinetti IV tasked Bell with overseeing the deactivation of the Central Technical Support Facility at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Bell is a liaison between CECOM headquarters and CTSF, ensuring the transition runs smoothly.
CTSF deactivation is scheduled for April 30.
“I have learned a lot through this process,” she said.
At APG, because Turinetti is also the installation senior commander, Bell said she works with the garrison operations team to ensure taskers are sent to organizations on the installation.
“G3/5, we are like the hub to make sure the taskings are done properly,” she explained.
Bell also works with Command Physical Security Officer Jason Obitz to conduct the Organizational Inspection Program for fiscal year 2025, which includes visiting CECOM’s major subordinate commands. Due to current travel restrictions, the G3/5 has been conducting more virtual visits this year.
“We are finding innovative ways to be able to conduct inspections virtually, so I think that will help as we are able to transform,” she said. “It will help improve our systems and processes and ultimately save the Army money.”
Part of the CECOM family
Bell said what she likes most about her position at CECOM is having the experience of working with a predominantly civilian workforce and getting to know others.
“I truly love working with people,” she said. “It brings a different perspective; if you are open-minded to other people’s thought processes, it helps you build yourself internally. But it also makes you think about how to improve the organization; we all do things differently.”
Bell is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, but spent most of her childhood in Fairbanks, Alaska.
“I am used to the wilderness; I grew up on moose meat, hunting, and fishing,” she said.
Bell describes herself as competitive. As a child, she participated in several sports, including cross-country and basketball.
“I think my upbringing helped me be successful in the military also because I am very disciplined and harder on myself than I should be,” Bell said.
Bell decided to join the military for educational benefits. She entered the Minnesota National Guard in September 2001 and transferred to Active Duty in June 2005.
“I haven’t looked back since,” Bell said. “When I decided to make the Army my career, I started to make goals for myself.”
Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Arts in sociology from New Mexico State University. According to Bell, her educational background has contributed to her accomplishments because it has given her a better understanding of the Soldiers and civilians she serves.
“I think that degree has made me very successful in the Army,” she said. “Nothing is black and white; from my perspective, everything is about social interaction and human interaction and being able to see the different ways that people think, interact, and how they deal with societal norms.”
Bell added that everyone must work together to improve the organization.
Advice to new Soldiers
Bell advises new Soldiers to be open-minded about their first duty station. She said the first duty station can “make or break” whether a Soldier wants to stay in the Army.
“You have to take the good with the bad and decide if the Army is what is meant for you.”
Bell also tells Soldiers to ensure they care for their mental and physical health.
“I push for Soldiers to take care of their health, physically and mentally, because if you do not take care of yourself, you are not good to your family, and you are not good to the organization,” she said.
Bell said the G3/5 team keeps her motivated, as she aims to do her best for them.
“If Soldiers know that you care about them and you have their back, good, bad, or indifferent, I promise they will take care of you and take care of the organization,” Bell said.
Achieving long-term goals
For her next assignment, Bell was selected to serve as a command sergeant major for the 63rd Expeditionary Signal Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Before coming to APG, she was the operations and training sergeant major for the 35th Corps Signal Brigade, which involved her inspecting the 63rd ESB.
“So, I know what I am going into,” she explained.
Bell said about 10 years ago, she set her sights on obtaining the rank of command sergeant major.
“Everything is coming full circle,” Bell said.
Outside of work, Bell enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and long-distance running. She plans to participate in the Army Ten-Miler again this year in Washington, D.C.
“It’s a great route,” she said, noting the scenic views and the camaraderie among participants.
Social Sharing