{"id":468747,"date":"2025-06-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=468747"},"modified":"2025-06-04T15:41:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T15:41:45","slug":"u-s-army-nato-brigade-changes-command-sergeants-major","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=468747","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Army NATO Brigade changes command sergeants major"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Col. Jeremiah D. Pope passes the U.S. Army NATO Brigade guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Morris Jr. during a change of responsibility ceremony at Sembach Kaserne in Germany. Pope is the U.S. Army NATO Brigade commander and served as host at the June 4 ceremony. The brigade bid farewell to outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Kisha M. Vaught. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gilberto Agosto)
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SEMBACH, Germany — U.S. Army NATO bid farewell to the outgoing brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Kisha M. Vaught and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Morris Jr. during a change of responsibility ceremony June 4 at Sembach Kaserne.<\/p>\n

The ceremony was hosted by Col. Jeremiah D. Pope, U.S. Army NATO Brigade commander, who passed the unit colors during the ceremony representing the transfer of responsibility for the unit from one command sergeant major to another.<\/p>\n

“Thank you all for taking time to be a part of this time-honored tradition, the changing of responsibility between two of the Army’s finest noncommissioned officers, Command Sgt. Maj. Kisha Vaught and Command Sgt. Maj. James Morris,\u201d said Pope. \u201cAs I look out at the formation, I would be remiss if I did not recognize all of you that stand before us today, and those of you that have worked tirelessly to put this ceremony together.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost 11 months ago, I stood in this very position, at the brigade’s change of command.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt that time, as with any new commander, I only had a base understanding of all that this brigade is responsible for.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I began to settle in and work through the mission, task organization, and governing documents, I began to feel the pressure and weight of the position.<\/p>\n

\u201cThankfully for me, Command Sgt. Maj. Vaught had been in the seat the previous 19 months before my arrival and was able to orient me to the inner workings of the brigade, allowing me to quickly gain understanding, and clarity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout my time in the Army, this is what have come to expect from the very best noncommissioned officers.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo have the ability to step in and provide clarity to a situation before a misstep or mistake is made and to orient subordinates and leaders to the right path.<\/p>\n

\u201cNATO Brigade has the distinct mission, of providing command and control, over the execution of Title 10 support to all Army personnel and administrative agent support for all U.S personnel assigned to over 29 different NATO organizations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe brigade’s origins date back to 1950 when General Order #46 went into effect, establishing U.S Army NATO as a special field activity assigned to headquarters, Department of the Army.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday’s mission involves over 1,100 Soldiers at 81 locations in 21 countries. So, you can imagine the complexity that goes into executing our daily mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the brigade command team, Command Sgt. Maj. Vaught and I had the privilege of providing oversight, direction and guidance to the most geographically dispersed brigade in the Army.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat alone makes it vital that this brigade has a seasoned, caring and standards-driven command sergeant major at the helm.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring her tenure, Command Sgt. Maj. Vaught was able to identify gaps in the training and development of our Soldiers and established sustainable processes and procedures that ensured our leaders were not disadvantaged.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe consistently traveled around the area of operations. In many instances, separate from the commander, to check on Soldiers and attend graduations, reinforcing the fact that the brigade leadership cared.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommand Sgt. Maj. Vaught also understood the importance of standards and culture.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was always present to be an example to our Soldiers, civilians and families representing the command at both formal and informal events, even sacrificing personal time to always support the team.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe continuously made herself available as a mentor and coach or just to be a sounding board to those who needed it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough the good times and bad, Command Sgt. Maj. Vaught stayed consistent and steadied the ship allowing the brigade to move forward in executing its core support mission while supporting new initiatives aligned with NATO Convergence.<\/p>\n

\u201cA command sergeant major is a commander’s right hand and is someone the commander can confide in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey must also have the ability to communicate blind spots and provide the commander with well-thought-out recommendations.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommand Sgt. Maj. Vaught was able to do all the above both for me and my predecessor.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is a talented NCO that possesses a wealth of knowledge both about the military and life in general.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommand Sgt. Maj. Vaught, as you prepare to PCS and reunite with the family in Virginia, we want to say thank you for all you have done and for the significant changes you’ve implemented to make this brigade better.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wish you and your family the very best, and we know that once you settle into your next assignment in D.C. that you’ll continue to be a staunch supporter and a true advocate for Team Steady.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo our incoming command sergeant major, first of all, I applaud you and Pamela for taking on the next challenge as you’ve recently completed a successful stint as a battalion command sergeant major in 41st Fires.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour willingness to stay overseas and move just a few 100 kilometers west to join the team is a true testament to your dedication and sacrifice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe departure of a command sergeant major can be a major setback to any unit and<\/p>\n

admittedly I was worried, but when I discovered that Command Sgt. Maj. Morris was slated to the brigade, I immediately knew that we were poised to continue to grow on the achievements and progress we have made thus far.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommand Sgt. Maj. Morris brings a wealth of knowledge to the brigade having served at every echelon from company to the enterprise Army.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis reputation is one that speaks to his professionalism, competence and his unwavering care and support for Soldiers, civilians, and their families.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are all qualities that make him an ideal choice to step in and fill the void.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommand Sgt. Maj. Morris, we have a great team that continues to exceed expectations and has committed themselves to providing the best possible support that prioritizes people and readiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are now part of this team, and we look forward to your camaraderie and leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n

After completing a successful tour, Vaught\u2019s next assignment is at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. where she will serve with the Army Review Boards Agency. ARBA performs as the highest administrative level for review of personnel actions taken by lower levels of the Army and administers a number of boards.<\/p>\n

\u201cStanding before you is both an honor and a humbling moment,\u201d said Vaught. \u201cThe change of responsibility ceremony is far more than tradition; it is a testament to the continuity of leadership, the strength of our NCO Corps, and the legacy we leave for those who follow in our footsteps.<\/p>\n

\u201cServing as the command sergeant major of this NATO Brigade for the past two and a half years has been one of the greatest privileges of my military career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank God for getting me through.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first assumed this responsibility, I understood the demands of the job.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I didn’t fully grasp was just how profoundly rewarding it would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have had the rare opportunity to serve not only alongside Soldiers from my own nation but also with dedicated professionals from across the alliance each bringing their own traditions, strengths, and experiences to our shared mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, we built more than a cohesive team; we forged a common purpose.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe diversity within this formation in front of you is more than a source of pride. It is our competitive advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Soldiers drawn from across the NATO alliance have shown that we fight with the same heart, the same discipline, and the same unwavering commitment to our shared values.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo my battle buddies, Col. Pope and Col. (Troy V.) Alexander, thank you for your trust, support, and leadership.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for allowing me to lead and for making this journey worthwhile. Thank you for the talks and shared understanding during our battlefield circulation and also taking care of the people of the NATO Brigade.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the officers and NCOs of this brigade, you led from the front, cared for your Soldiers and carried the weight of responsibility with quiet professionalism.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could not have asked for a better team to serve alongside.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo our junior Soldiers, keep pushing forward. You are the backbone of this formation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou represent not only the future of our nations’ armed forces but the living strength of this alliance today. Let no one ever question the importance of your role. Every late night, every mission completed, it all contributes to something far greater than any one of us.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo our two battalions, nine company command teams, brigade staff, MPEPs (Military Personnel Exchange Program) and SONs (Schools of Other Nations), Peacetime Establishment Soldiers and our host country, thank you for the trust, communication, and mutual respect that make our mission possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cOperating as a joint force requires unwavering cooperation, and I have witnessed that commitment firsthand every day.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally, to Command Sgt. Maj. Morris, you are absolutely the right leader for this brigade.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bring experience, wisdom, and energy to this role, and I have no doubt the brigade will thrive under your leadership. I extend my full support as you assume these responsibilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo everyone gathered here today-thank you. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility, for challenging me to grow, and for sharing in the burden and beauty of service.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I pass this responsibility, I do not walk away. I walk forward, carrying with me the lessons, friendships, and pride that these years have given me.<\/p>\n

\u201cNATO Strong! Steady 7 signing out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Morris comes to the brigade from Grafenwoehr, Germany, where he served as the command sergeant major of the 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Brigade.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so thankful to be here before you today,\u201d said Morris. \u201cTo my God in whom I trust, thank you for the love, patience, and joy, you provide me every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpecial thanks to Command Sgt. Maj. Vaught for onboarding me to a successful transition and providing the true example of sponsorship support.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour leadership as the command sergeant major has been impeccable, so I want to thank you for developing our warfighters, ensuring they are combat ready, in a time of continuous transformation, all the while strengthening the profession of arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd also, to my new battle buddy, Col. Pope. Your mentorship these last 15 days has truly been unmatched and confirms why our organization, the U.S. Army NATO Brigade is the premier organization with phenomenal Soldiers and civilians that stand poised and ready to meet the challenges of a transforming NATO and world.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am blessed to continue my service to the nation in this capacity, and I promise to champion the message of our organization in every forum, gathering, and to every person I meet to ensure our purpose, and why we exist is never forgotten well past your and my tenure.<\/p>\n

\u201cLastly, to the Soldiers, civilians, and family members of the U.S. Army NATO Brigade, it is my business to be your advocate, your champion, and your support.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you serve across 44 NATO organizations at 81 locations in 22 countries, know this; I serve you and am willing to support in any mission, anywhere, and at any time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the Army’s greatest and most lethal weapon is its Soldiers and the strength of our profession is empowered by our professional civilian corps and our family members, it is my role and responsibility to be committed, dedicated, and confident to foster a climate of service, steward the profession, and train you to remain as the best force multipliers known to man.<\/p>\n

\u201cGod bless you and thank you all for attending.<\/p>\n

\u201cSword of Freedom! Steady! NATO strong!<\/p>\n

\u201cSteady 7 signing on the net!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Col. Jeremiah D. Pope passes the U.S. Army NATO Brigade guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Morris Jr. during a change of responsibility ceremony at Sembach Kaserne in Germany. Pope is the U.S. Army NATO Brigade commander and served as host at the June 4 ceremony. The brigade bid farewell to outgoing Command Sgt. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":468749,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-468747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=468747"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":468750,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468747\/revisions\/468750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/468749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=468747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=468747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=468747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}