Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley, Command Sergeant Major of the Aviation Branch
CSM Kirk Coley was born in Kingston, Jamaica and later moved to Miami, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Army in February of 1995 as an Aircraft Armament/Avionics Electrical Systems Repair Technician for the AH-1 Cobra Helicopter and later transitioned to the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
CSM Coley has served in various positions from Squad Leader, Section Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Technical Inspector, First Sergeant, Brigade S3 Air/Operations NCOIC, Brigade Unit Movement NCOIC, Brigade Master Jumpmaster, Equal Opportunity Representative, and Unit Status Reporting NCOIC.
His assignments include: Delta Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM) Company, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd CAB; Headquarters and Support Company, 122nd Aviation Support Battalion; Bravo Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion; Bravo Company (AVIM), 122nd Aviation Support Battalion; Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment in Fort Eustis, Virginia; 3-501st Assault Helicopter Battalion, Fort Bliss, Texas; 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; 7th Infantry Division, JBLM, Washington; 166th Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas (known as Fort Cavazos since 2023). He most recently served as the Training Sergeant Major for the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker (known as Fort Novosel since 2023).
CSM Coley’s military education includes the Basic Airborne School, Jumpmaster Course, Master Jumpmaster Course, Air Assault School, Combat Lifesaver Course, Air Movement Officers Course, Automated Air Load Planners Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course and a Class 62 graduate of the United States Sergeants Major Academy. He has also completed all levels of the Pre-Command Courses and the executive level “How the Army Runs” Course. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies in Business and Management from Excelsior College.
CSM Coley’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1OLC), Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal (2nd Award), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (6th Award), Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Honorable Order of St. Michael (2nd Award), Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Master Aviation Crewmember Badge, Driver/Mechanic Badge and the Canadian Parachutist Badge.
CSM Coley and his wife Tiawannia have one daughter, JaLynn.