REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The United States Army Security Assistance Command welcomed its first ever Command Sergeant Major during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony Aug. 24 on the parade field outside USASAC headquarters.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger Mansker, who has served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, is the first Soldier in the organization's 47-year history to be appointed to the position of command sergeant major. Mansker, who joins USASAC after his last assignment at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington said that USASAC is an organization that has worldwide recognition and respect, and he is excited to become a member of the team.
"The Army has recognized the importance of this great command in building partners around the world," Mansker said. "Our Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians are truly at the forefront of our efforts, providing training and equipment nations require. I am truly humbled and guarantee my complete effort, every day, to this command."
In a symbolic gesture which shows the faith a commander places in the command sergeant major, Maj. Gen. Del Turner, USASAC commanding general, presented the unit colors to Mansker in front of the large number of guests, Soldiers, family members and civilian employees attending the ceremony.
In welcoming Mansker to the position, Turner stressed not only the significance of the occasion, but the importance of his responsibilities.
"His assignments around the globe in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Iraq have provided him (Mansker) firsthand experience in working with and training foreign militaries," Turner said. "And his recent deployments to Iraq will be invaluable to USASAC as he and I meet with military leaders around the world."
Besides his previous duties at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Mansker has also served in many locations overseas and in the United States, including stints in Iraq, Germany, Forts Campbell, Hood and Carson.
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Mansker holds a Bachelors Degree in Resource and Technology Management from Troy University, and is pursuing a master's degree in Strategic Leadership. He has also attended various military schools including the Primary Leadership Development, Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Courses and the Sergeants Major Academy.
Before the ceremony concluded, Mansker remarked on his immediate plans in his new position.
"One of my first priorities is to learn and get to know each of you," Mansker said. "Make me smart, and show or tell me how I can help you in your mission."
The United States Army Assistance Command implements approved U.S. Army security assistance programs, including Foreign Military Sales of defense articles and services to eligible foreign governments. The command manages more than 4,600 FMS cases valued at more than $135 billion, and is responsible for the complete life cycle management of FMS cases.
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