Command Sgt. Maj. James L. Light
Command Sgt. Maj. James L. Light, a native of Holly Springs, Mississippi, enlisted in the Army on November 14, 1996, and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Light's leadership positions include: Tank Gunner, Tank Commander, Tank Platoon Sgt. and 1st sergeant for Initial Entry Training, Light Cavalry Troop and Headquarters and Headquarters Troops. Additionally, he has served as a Battalion Master Gunner, Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor and Senior Military Science Instructor. Most recently he has served as the command sergeant major for 1st Squadron 7th Cavalry, 1st Armored Bde. Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; 3rd Security Force Assistance Bde; U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center and the 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides."
His stateside assignments include Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; University of North Georgia; Fort Rucker, Alabama; and Fort Bliss, Texas. His overseas assignments include Korea and Germany. His deployments include Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq twice, Afghanistan twice and multiple Regionally Aligned Force missions to Korea and Eastern Europe. Light's military education includes all levels of the Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Program, the Abrams Tank Master Gunner course, the Equal Opportunity Management Course, Battle Staff, Air Assault Course, Instructor Course and Master Resiliency Trainer Course.
Light's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (4th award), the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), the Meritorious Services Medal (6th award), the Army Commendation (3rd award), the Army Achievement Medal (5th award), the Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.
Light is married to his wife of 26 years, Katheryn from Newnan, Georgia. His son, 1st Lt. Tristan Light, is currently serving as the Headquarters and Headquarters Bn. executive officer for 1st Armored Div. Artillery, Fort Bliss, Texas.