Command Sgt. Maj. James J. Riddle assumed duties as command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy, Wis., on May 16, 2025.  Immediately prior to this assignment he served as the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) G-35/7 sergeant major from July 2023 to April 2025. 

He is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Washburn University in Health Services Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Workforce Development from the Army Command and General Staff College. 

His military education includes Brigade Pre-command Course, Command Sergeant Major Development Course, Garrison Pre-command Course, Sergeants Major Course Class 71, How the Army Runs Course, Company Leadership Development Course, Master Resilience Trainer Course, Modern Army Combatives Program Courses I, II, and III, Unit Movement Officer Deployment Planning Course, Transportation Deployment/Distribution Senior Leader Course, Observer, Coach, Trainer Academy, Motor Transport Operator Reclassification, Army Cavalry Scout BNCOC, Army Warrior Leader Course, and several other functional courses. 

His previous assignments include G-35/7 sergeant major for SDDC; Transportation Proponent sergeant major for the Office of the Chief of Reserve Affairs; platoon sergeant, truckmaster, senior truckmaster, and first sergeant of the 369th Transportation Company; observer-coach/trainer at 2/383rd Training Support Battalion; movement supervisor at 821st Transportation Battalion; senior scout at 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment; cavalry scout team leader at 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment; and cavalry scout team member with 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment. 

Command Sgt. Maj. Riddle deployed three times to Iraq during the Transition of Iraq and Iraqi Governance, Iraqi Surge, and Iraqi Sovereignty campaign phases. 

Command Sgt. Maj. Riddle’s awards and decorations include: 

— Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), 

— Army Commendation Medal (eight awards), 

— Army Achievement Medal (four awards), 

— Valorous Unit Award, 

— Meritorious Unit Award (two awards), 

— Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and

— Army Good Conduct Medal (five awards).

(Current as of May 2025)