In a significant announcement by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black has been appointed as the successor to Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Ramón "CZ" Colón-López.
This selection marks a pivotal moment as Sgt. Maj. Black assumes the role of the most senior enlisted rank in the U.S. military, strengthening the vital connection between the Chairman and the enlisted force.
The transfer of responsibility ceremony, scheduled for November 3, will also commemorate the well-deserved retirement of Colón-López from the U.S. Air Force. This ceremonious event will honor his remarkable service and contributions to the armed forces.
With an impressive 35-year tenure in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Black brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of military operations. His journey began in April 1988 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, where he underwent rigorous recruit training. Since 2019, he has held the esteemed position of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to the Corps.
Throughout his career, Sgt. Maj. Black has actively participated in pivotal military campaigns, including Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He initially served as an infantry machine gunner in various units, ranging from a fleet anti-terrorism security team company to the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marine Regiment, and eventually the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Furthermore, Sgt. Maj. Black has made significant contributions as a drill instructor at both Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, where he had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Stacie, and at the Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. These roles allowed him to shape and mentor countless Marines, instilling in them the values and skills necessary for success.
Having served at the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Sgt. Maj. Black's invaluable experience has been honed across a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. His well-rounded background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the enlisted force, enabling him to serve as a bridge between the Chairman and the dedicated men and women in uniform.
As he assumes the position of Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Sgt. Maj. Black will become the fifth individual to hold this esteemed rank, signifying the significant role he will play in shaping military policy and representing the interests of the enlisted force. Notably, he will be the second Marine to occupy this esteemed position, underscoring the Marine Corps' continued contributions to the highest echelons of leadership within the U.S. military.
With his remarkable career and unwavering commitment to service, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black is poised to bring invaluable insights and leadership to his new role. As he steps into this influential position, the armed forces can rest assured that the enlisted force will have a passionate advocate and representative in the highest echelons of military leadership.
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