Shakers: CSM Jones -- Fighting for the Army Reserve
By Ayeko Vinton, Special to AOL BlackVoices
Name: Michele S. Jones
Organization: United States Army Reserve
Organization Base: Washington, D.C.
Tidbit:
Michele Jones is the Army’s highest-ranking enlisted female, the first female to serve as Command Sergeant Major (CSM) to any of the Army’s units. She’s the first female and first African-American to serve as Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Reserve. Jones is a career soldier and has served active duty in Operations Desert Shield and Storm, Restore Hope, Provide Hope, Provide Comfort, Joint Endeavor and Noble Eagle. She holds a BSc. in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University and is completing her master’s in Management and International Relations.
Why You Should Care:
CSM Jones has toughed it out, and excelled in, the brassy world of soldiers, creating a trail so remarkable that it inspires all soldiers despite gender or race. As Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve, she is senior officer to all enlisted reservists and chief adviser on all matters concerning those soldiers. She influences policy and programs on everything from training and development to family support and quality of life. Jones’ role as CSM also means she’s the reservists’ representative -- speaking for and addressing the concerns of about 200,000 reservists and their families. Jones began her military career in 1982, attending basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and advanced individual training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. She is extensively trained in military methods, having completed basic and advanced officer courses, Battle Staff Operations courses, Instructor training and Master Fitness courses. Before her appointment as the Reserve’s CSM, she served as squad leader, section leader, platoon sergeant, instructor, First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major.
Jones’ military and civil awards are as impressive as the positions she’s held within the Army. They acknowledge and applaud her outstanding service to the United States and the African-American community and honor her skill as a soldier. Her awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass. She is also the 2003 recipient of the NAACP Meritorious Service Award.
About the Author
Ayeko Vinton is a writer, teacher and Web developer living in Boston.
Jan. 31, 2005