Command Sergeant Major James L. Light

Command Sergeant Major, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss

Command Sgt. Maj. James L. Light enlisted in the Army on Nov. 14, 1996, and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Light has held every leadership position, from tank gunner to brigade command sergeant major. Additionally, he has served as a battalion master gunner, brigade equal opportunity advisor, and senior military science instructor. Most recently, he served as the command sergeant major for 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry; 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade; and the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center.

His stateside assignments include Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Moore (known as Fort Benning prior to 2023) , Georgia; Fort Cavazos (known as Fort Hood prior to 2023), Texas; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; University of North Georgia; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Novosel (known as Fort Rucker prior to 2023), Alabama. His overseas assignments include Korea and Germany. His deployments include Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq (2), Afghanistan (2), and Regionally Aligned Force missions to Korea and Eastern Europe.

Light's military and civilian education include all levels of NCOPDS, the M1A1 Master Gunner Course, the Equal Opportunity Management Course, the Air Assault Course, the Instructor Course, and the Master Resiliency Trainer Course. He also holds an associate degree in applied technologies from Central Texas College.

Light's awards and decorations include most notably the Legion of Merit (2nd award), the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), the Meritorious Service Medal (6th award), the Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), the Army Achievement Medal (5th award), the Combat Action Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.