CSM Bryan D. Buchanan is a native of Belpre, Ohio.  He entered the United States Army 29 July 1997 as an Infantryman and graduated basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia. 

CSM Buchanan has served in every leadership position from Rifle Team Leader to Battalion Command Sergeant Major.  His stateside assignments include Team leader and Squad Leader 1^st Battalion, 12^th Infantry Regiment, 4^th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado; Squad and Platoon Sergeant Observer Controller Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana; Platoon Sergeant 1^st Battalion, 68^th Armor Regiment, 4^th Infantry Division; Instructor/writer 4^th Ranger Training Battalion, Fort Benning, Georgia; First Sergeant 1^st Battalion, 46^th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia; First Sergeant 1^st Battalion, 8^th Infantry Regiment and 1^st Battalion, 66^th Armor Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado; and Battalion Command Sergeant Major 1^st Battalion, 63^rd Armor Regiment.  His overseas assignments include Baumholder, Germany where he served as a Rifle Team Leader.

CSM Buchanan’s military and civilian education include: All Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System through the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 67; Basic Airborne Course; Air Assault Course; Ranger Course; Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course; Master Fitness Trainer Course; Master Resiliency Trainer Course.  CSM Buchanan holds a bachelor’s of science degree in liberal arts through Excelsior College and is currently pursuing his master’s in criminal justice degree with a concentration in homeland security and emergency management.

CSM Buchanan’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal (two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Meritorious Service Medal (three Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Commendation Medal (three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Achievement Medal (one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (Seventh Award); National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 5); Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2); NATO ISAF Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; and a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice, and Order of Saint George.