Command Sergeant Major Jose O. Velezcosme
Jose O. Velezcosme became the Command Sgt. Maj. (CSM) of U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux in October 2026.
Velezcosme is a native of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and enlisted in the United States Army in May 2004 as a 91L Construction Equipment Repairer.
He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Throughout his career, Velezcosme has served in every leadership position from Team Leader to First Sergeant mostly in the 82nd Airborne Division. His previous key assignments include serving as the Command Sergeant Major for the 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and as the G4 Sergeant Major for the 82nd Airborne Division.
His stateside assignments include the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His overseas assignments include the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Camp Casey, Korea. He has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of combat operations. Additionally, he deployed as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Division Tactical Command Post (DTAC) of the 82nd Airborne Division in support of the Security Assistance Group–Ukraine in Poland, and most recently deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Velezcosme’s military education includes the Sergeants Major Academy (Class 72), all levels of Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Equal Opportunity Leader Course, Army Instructor Course, Small Group Leader Course, Combatives Levels I and II, Airborne School, Air Assault School, and Jumpmaster School.
His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from American Military University; a Bachelor of Science in Workforce and Leadership Development from the Command and General Staff College; a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism from American Military University; a Certificate in Project Management; and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.
Velezcosme’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award); the Army Commendation Medal (5th award); the Army Achievement Medal (7th award); the NATO Medal (2nd award); the Korea Defense Service Medal; the Iraq Campaign Medal; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; the Expert Soldier Badge; and Italian Jump Wings.