CSM Michael R. Olivas Jr.
Command Sergeant Major Michael R. Olivas Jr. is a native of Madera, CA. He entered the Army in October 2002 as a Cavalry Scout and completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, KY in February 2003. His first assignment was with HHT 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fort Carson, CO. where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.
CSM Olivas’ other assignments and positions include Ironhawk Troop, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, as a Dismount Team Leader and Bradley Gunner with whom he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-05 for his second tour; 1/16 Cavalry Regiment, Fort Knox, KY as an Operations Group Support NCO; Arikara Troop 8-1 Cavalry Regiment, 2/2 SBCT, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA as a Senior Scout and Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant deploying twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 09-10 and 12-13; Cadet Command, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguëz, Army ROTC assigned as a Military Science Instructor; 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY with HHBn as a Division Senior Operations NCO; 1st Squadron 32nd Cavalry Regiment as First Sergeant of Blackhorse Troop (B TRP). He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in January 2019 as the Over the Horizon Force in areas of Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria. Upon return from the deployment, he took responsibility as First Sergeant of Hostile Troop (HHT). He relinquished responsibilities and transitioned as the Operations Sergeant Major within Bandit Squadron before attending the Sergeants Major Academy. Returned to the 101st Airborne Division as the Operations Sergeant Major for 1st Squadron 75th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Most recently he was assigned as Squadron Command Sergeant Major for 1st Squadron 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team (Bastogne), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault!).
CSM Olivas’ military education includes Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Maneuver Senior Leader Course, the First Sergeant Course, and School of Cadet Command Instructor Course. He is a graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy Class 71 and the Pre-Command Course. Additional schools include Air Assault School, Airborne School, Pathfinder School, Master Fitness Trainer, Unit Movement Officer Deployment Planning Course, Combatives Course, and Field Sanitation Course.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC), Army Commendation for Valor (3OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal 7th Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3CS), Iraqi Campaign Medal (4CS), Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (1CS), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Service Medal, Non-Commission Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 6), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Tracked Vehicle Drivers Badge, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award, and the Order of St. George Bronze Medallion and the Order of St. Maurice Centurion level. He is a Distinguished Member of the Regiment with the following units: 327 Infantry Regiment and 1-32 Cavalry Regiment.
CSM Olivas is married with children.