LTC David W. Griffith
Battalion Commander
CSM Rocky Kunkel
Command Sergeant Major
CSM Kunkel joined the United States Army out of Greeley, Colorado on 2 September 2003. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Upon graduation, he received the MOS 19K, Armor Crewmen.
CSM Kunkel found himself in the tundra of Alaska, stationed at Fort Richardson for his first duty station. He trained and deployed with the 1-72nd Stryker Brigade to Iraq in 2004. He transitioned to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he assisted in forming the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. CSM Kunkel served as a Mobile Gun System (MGS) Vehicle Commander in the 2nd Battalion 1st Infantry Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan in 09-10. He completed 24 months as a Drill Sergeant in Bulldog Company 1st Battalion-81st Armor Battalion at Fort Benning, GA. (now Known as Fort Moore).
Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas (now known as Fort Cavazos), CSM Kunkel established himself as a competent and confident Platoon Sergeant in Cobra Company 2nd Battalion 8th Cavalry. In 2014 he deployed the first-ever Tank Platoon into the Baltics in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. CSM Kunkel assumed duties as a Tank Company 1SG in August 2015. During his 24 months as a Tank Company 1SG, he deployed to Korea for nine months. CSM Kunkel was selected over his peers to assume responsibility as the HHC Brigade 1SG for 1st Brigade 1st Cavalry at Fort Hood, TX (now known as Fort Cavazos). He completed a combined 36 months as a 1SG. He was selected to become an Observer, Coach/Trainer at the National Training Center located in Fort Irwin, CA. CSM Kunkel served on the Cobra Team within Operations Group and completed over 20 rotations.
In 2019 CSM Kunkel was selected to attend the Sergeants Major Academy located at Fort Bliss, TX. Upon graduation he was assigned as the Chief Instructor with the 5th Squadron 15th Cavalry Regiment located at Fort Benning, GA. Currently CSM Kunkel is the Command Sergeant Major for the 3rd Battalion 67th Armor Regiment at Fort Stewart, GA.
CSM Kunkel's military and civilian education include a Bachelors Degree in Leadership and Workforce Development and an Associates' degree in Applied Science. He is a graduate of the following courses, M1A2 SEP Master Gunner Course 003-15, Improved Target Acquisition System, Army Basic Instructor course, Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle Operator course, Stryker Mobile Gun System Vehicle Operator course, United States Army Drill Sergeant School, Combatives Level I and II, 19K One Station Unit Training, Unit Armorers course, SBCT Battle Staff NCO Course, and the Stryker Leaders course.
CSM Kunkel's awards and decorations consist of Meritorious Service Medal (2 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation medal (1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (1 Silver and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), and 1 Valorous Unit Award. He has earned the Master Gunner Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.