FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- The 309th Military Intelligence Battalion has a new leader. Command Sgt. Maj. Bernardo Serna took over responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Richardson, June 3, on Krueger Field, Fort Huachuca.
Serna spent the last seven years attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
"I'm excited to see how TRADOC [Training and Doctrine Command] conducts business since they're the ones who are producing the Intel Soldiers for the divisions and the warfighter," he told attendees.
The 309th MI Bn. trains counter intelligence, human intelligence and the interpreter translators. While speaking at the ceremony, Serna noted his former unit was one of the recipients of the battalion's great learning output.
"My previous division success was because of your Soldiers training," he added, and then thanked the entire MI team for their tireless efforts in training.
As Serna was welcomed into the battalion, Richardson was bid farewell.
"For the past two years," explained Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Roberts, "Richardson has had a tremendous impact on thousands of Soldiers, both those Soldiers in training and the cadre that provide that training." He went on to say, "These accomplishments alone solidify his selection as the next command sergeant major of the brigade." Roberts is the 111th MI Brigade command sergeant major.
Roberts will relinquish his duties as 111th MI Brigade command sergeant major to Richardson, June 11, at 4 p.m. on Fort Huachuca's Chaffee Field.
Richardson says his departure from the battalion is bittersweet.
"Bitter because after you've been somewhere for two years with the same command team, it's kind of tough to leave them. It's tough to leave that piece of training. But, at the same time, the sweet piece is you don't go too far, and I can still affect the training and continue to train the intel professionals."
Richardson says his advice for Serna is to stay proficient, stay relevant, remain vigilant and take care of Soldiers. Serna says he's excited to start his new adventure.
He ended his speech by stating, "Whether our Soldiers go to Iraq or Afghanistan, we in the 309th will train for victory."
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