LTC James Braudis
Battalion Commander
Lieutenant Colonel James Braudis is originally from Mobile, AL, and was commissioned as an Armor Officer from the University of South Alabama in 2005.
His previous assignments include Tank Platoon Leader, Distribution Platoon Leader, and Company Executive Officer in 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry at Ft. Bliss, TX; Troop and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop Commander in 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry at Ft. Bliss, TX; Strategic Planner in Joint Staff J-7; Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff G-8, Headquarters Department of the Army; G-35 Planner in 1st Infantry Division; Battalion Executive Officer in 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor; Brigade Executive Officer 1st ABCT, 1 ID at Fort Riley, KS; Robotics Branch Chief, Army Futures Command, Ft. Eustis, VA where he was also selected to serve on the 40th Chief of Staff’s transition team in Crystal City, VA. His most recent assignment was the National Training Center (NTC) Fort Irwin, CA where he served as a Battalion S3 trainer (Scorpion 03), Brigade XO trainer (Bronco 02), and the Senior Live Fire Trainer (Dragon 07). He has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Inherent Resolve; and the Korea Rotational Force.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (Silver OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (3 Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, and Command and General Staff College, as well as the Basic Airborne Course and Air Assault Course. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Alabama, and a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University.
CSM Andrew P. O'Dell
Battalion Command Sergeant Major
CSM Andrew P. O’Dell, a native of Alexandria, Alabama, enlisted in the Army on 26 June 2000, and attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky as a 19D (Cavalry Scout). CSM O’Dell has served in every leadership position from Bradley Gunner to Battalion Command Sergeant Major.
His stateside assignments include 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, Ft. Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos 2023), Texas; 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Fort Bliss, Texas; 162nd Infantry Brigade, Ft. Polk, Louisiana; 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, Headquarters 1 ABCT, 1st Cavalry Division, and 3rd Squadron, 3rd SFAB, Ft. Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos 2023), Texas . His deployments include Iraq (three tours), a RAF deployment to Korea, and a RAF deployment to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve.
CSM O’Dell’s military and civilian education includes all levels of NCOPDS from the Primary Leadership Development Course to the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 70. He is also a graduate of the Battle Staff NCO Course, Army Basic Instructors Course, Observer Coach Trainer Course, Common Faculty Development Instructors Course, Air Assault Course, and the Combat Advisor Training Course. He holds a Bachelors in Leadership and Workforce Development from the Commanding Generals Staff College.
CSM O’Dell’s awards and decorations include most notably the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (7 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (3 Bronze Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 5), the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 5), the Combat Action Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold), and the Drivers Badge (Wheel & Track). CSM O’Dell has also received the coveted Order of Saint George (Bronze Medallion), the Order of Saint Barbara, and is a recipient of the Cavalry and Armor Leadership Award.