CG's aide leaves big boots to fill

By STEVE REEVES, Fort Jackson LeaderJanuary 21, 2010

CG's aide leaves big boots to fill
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- After several years holding a job normally held by an officer, Sgt. 1st Class Sylvester Taylor said he has learned a lot in his time as aide-de-camp to two Fort Jackson commanders.

"Just the experience of working hand-in-hand with a general officer has been wonderful," Taylor said. "The coaching and mentoring that I've received, (both commanding generals) made a substantial impact on my life and on my family."

Taylor served as aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Bradley May, Fort Jackson's commanding general, as well as May's predecessor, Brig. Gen. James Schwitters.

Aides-de-camp have the often grueling responsibility of supporting general officers in a variety of missions, 24 hours a day every day of the week.

The position is typically held by junior officers.

Taylor, an Army reservist who had been called to active duty in 2004 to support Task Force Marshall, was selected for the aide-de-camp position in 2007 after being recommended by his senior leadership.

May kept Taylor on as his aide-de-camp after assuming command of Fort Jackson from Schwitters in 2008.

Taylor said he enjoyed his duties, particularly so under May.

"I'll most remember seeing the general use his command authority to positively affect the lives of others," he said. "It was really exciting to see what all takes place behind the scenes as decisions are made. I'll also miss all the traveling I was able to do."

Taylor has already handed off his aide-de-camp duties to Capt. Ric Haeussler.

Taylor, though, will remain at Fort Jackson. He has accepted a job as a human resources technician with the 81st Regional Support Command, an Army Reserve unit based at Fort Jackson.

He also plans to attend warrant officer school.