Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan A.B. Ledbetter hails from Anchorage, Alaska, however he grew up around the world as the son of a retired paratrooper and claims home is where the Army sends him. He entered active-duty service June 21, 2005, as an infantryman.

His first duty assignment was with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), Fort Polk, Louisiana. Ledbetter has served in every enlisted infantry leadership position from fire team leader to command sergeant major in the airborne and air assault community. His most recent assignment was the infantry branch sergeant major at the Army’s Human Resources Command.

Ledbetter’s previous assignments include command sergeant major, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), 1st Brigade Combat Team, Fort Campbell Kentucky; operations command sergeant major, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), Caserma Del Din, Vicenza Italy; operations command sergeant major observer controller/trainer, Light Infantry Task Force (Airborne) (Tarantula Team), Fort Irwin, California; rifle company first sergeant, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne); platoon sergeant, Able Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Ranger instructor, 5th Ranger Training Battalion; and squad leader, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy. He deployed to Afghanistan for combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Most recently, Ledbetter deployed in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce in Poland.

Ledbetter’s military education includes Airborne School, Combatives Level 1, Ranger School, Tactical Certification Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Mountain Warfare School, Air Assault Course, Jumpmaster, Battle Staff, National Training Center’s Observer Controller Course, Common Faculty Development Course and Pathfinder. He has also attended every level of the NCO Education System, graduating the Army’s Sergeants Major Academy Class 71.

Ledbetter’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (fifth award), Army Commendation Medal (third award), Army Achievement Medal (sixth award), Meritorious Unit Citation (second award), Army Superior Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct medal (fifth award), National Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (fifth award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (fifth award), NATO medal (second award), Master Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver Mechanic Badge (wheeled), Ranger Tab, and Italian, German, Australian, Moroccan and Japanese parachutist badges. 

He is married and has three children.